On a lot of old cars with carbureted engines, do you have to push the gas pedal a few times to start it up? I’ve seen some people do that on YouTube.
Older cars have a spring loaded, electric or hot water choke. When staring cold, you push the pedal to the floor once, a spring closes the choke plate and sets the idle speed a little higher. When you start the engine, the electrically heated (or water heated) coil slowly opens the choke and lowers the idle setting. Then you drive off after a few minutes. Some old engines have a manual choke. Yes, manual. You pulled a knob out of the dashboard then closed it when the engine warmed up a little. Welcome to ancient history. Hope this helps.
Good explanation Doc.
I see. thank you, Doc.
Aside from setting the choke, hitting the gas pedal operates the accelerator pump which sprays some gas into the intake to assist cold starting.
