Choke setting: cold engine

How to find the ideal mix of fuel and air on a cold engine at start. Carburetted street bikes, dirt bikes, ATVs, snowmobile, snow bike, lawnmowers, boat motors, chain saws, weed whackers, leaf blowers - same idea.

[@jelleboomsma7394]

Thanks man! Very helpfull and simple instruction. I just bought my first bike, a Ducati Monster 600 from 1998 and this video has helped me a lot in underdtanding how tonstart it properly.

[@thefueltap]

I just picked up my first 'big bike' here in the UK after passing my test; an '02 Bandit 600. My first time ever dealing with a manual fuel tap & choke as my 125 was fairly new and all auto fuel injection. I was lost at finding that bite point of where the choke should be or really how to use it as it's totally new to me. This video was perfect. Exactly what I needed, clear, concise, and an excellent diagram to break it down. I can't thank you enough for this!

[@theoverengineer]

Thanks, mate, enjoy riding.

[@nunyaschweebness4602]

Wow man 600 is pretty solid I got my first bike which is also a project bike it has a choke on it but was nervous on how to use it despite it Not getting to cold here. Well have fun riding man

[@orangeblock3792]

Very cool video. Nice bell curve, by the way. I like your explanation.

[@darrellmcgee2615]

Thank-you for info ,helps a lot

[@FuriousGeorge854]

I just learned I've been doing it wrong the whole time I've owned my bike. Thank you

[@Illness.og.]

So up opens or closes the valve? And down closes it?

[@URBANENGINEER]

Very well done. My modern fuel injected bike actually has a choke, unlike my carb bike that just had a fuel enrichener valve.

[@awat5818]

Thank you so much for this.

[@lehsamkaramdin8969]

Thanks bro, great vedio This solved my problem.

[@IINoisyyBoyII]

Weedio

[@uc9637]

Thanks you save me so much headache

[@bryancorner4403]

Just bought a Suzuki gs500f and my bike kept spiking high in rpm’s as soon as I saw your video I realized my choke had been on the whole time 😂 thanks

[@theoverengineer]

Glad it helped

[@granrappanotyouraveragemoe2682]

I’m choked up, thanks,

[@oogabooga2337]

Can u explain the choke for me please? When the choke is in does that mean it is off? And also do you have to start the bike with the choke on?

[@Olivermanaged]

Tha KS a bunch. I need this. Bike shuts off and idk how to mess with the choke Def trying g this tomorrow

[@MrBradfordbiker]

I hate my choke lever,injection seems so much easier,automatic choke!

[@cloroxbleach8676]

@Richard Talon damn! Urine egger

[@jordymaas565]

Thanks, useful, good.

[@jochemvanl]

I always have fun with my choke lever ;). Quick question, because it wasn't completely clear from the video: the ideal amount of choke is when the engine is idling at its normal idle RPM, right? And is it best to let the bike idle until you can put the choke fully neutral, or is it fine to ride and adjust as you go (at a traffic light, for instance)? Just discovered your video's and I really like your approach to explaining stuff. Hope my questions aren't too basic.

[@theoverengineer]

Yup, sorry, it was cold and I just grabbed the camera quickly. 1 Yes, ideal choke keeps rpm at idle (1200 here), higher rpm (2500rpm) is not recommended because the cold engine oil does not circulate to the piston underskirt jets and valves, through fine passages. 2 I warm up the engine for 1-2 min, then go. Slowly. 10-30km/h residential.The tires need warming to grip. The drive chain snaps at extreme cold (-20C, -4F) temperatures, see ice road trucking. I adjust choke as necessary. 3 Choke fully off after 5 min. If colder (-20C, -4F), might be on for 20 min. Depending on engine size (heat retention) and cold. Ignore wind chill, that`s for humans.

[@sssssskkkkkk888888]

Thanks for the vid! What kind of pipes do you have on your bike?

[@theoverengineer]

Jesse Burnes Hindle: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIXJmGmFjLN5q8U

[@forgeforreal9674]

I have to stick My hand down to the carb to adjust it and the push/pul button does not hold it self so i have to hold My hans on the carb every time its warming up l

[@christianaguilar3283]

Thank you!!!

[@yogathenics]

Didn’t know I have to clear JEE just to get my bike started in cold morning in Manali

[@richardmonk8957]

Hi had my bike for a couple of weeks when I was starting with my choke it was fine but now we have snow and ice the choke works to start the bike but it won't shut of so it's running high revs whilst riding, could this be the weather sticking the choke cable

[@theoverengineer]

Could be. Or idle speed could be adjusted on the carb.

[@blackcat6.2.]

Hey man I got a 2002 r6 with low low km got the carb needles and everything fixed changed about a year ago it just doesn’t start and run right it’s about 26° Celsius here so like 88°F and I choke it till the bike warms up fully and then slowly release the choke the bike will never stay running and if it does it as like 600rpm! Help

[@theoverengineer]

I mostly run in cold (15C or under), so i only have a vague idea. Engine could suck in false air from a cracked or badly fitted air hose somewhere, dirt in air filter could choke it, fuel lines, tank, filter should be clean.

[@dannywalker9288]

Do I start the bike with the choke open or closed?

[@theoverengineer]

Is the engine cold or hot? Is the air or fuel in tank cold or warm?

[@darrellmcgee2615]

Hi there , I have a 2005 Triumph America , how long should I let my bike run for , right now it's -25 , the bike is in a non heated garage, and hear that because she's a little old I shouldn't run for to long.

[@theoverengineer]

+Darrell McGee Snowmobiles and chainsaws with carbs are doing fine in minus anything, or until the fuel freezes.Winterizing is possible, but running it could save all the work of storing and winterizing. Rubber seals, sealants, gaskets and O-rings dry and crack way less or do better when lubed, that is in use. Same for the electrical system.

[@welvi123]

When i make a stop in first gear the bikes engine shuts down. Is it because it is not warm enough? I dont like riding with my choke halfway open because i think that im damaging the bike... maybe i’m wrong

[@theoverengineer]

No damage possible, just ride half open as necessary, turn off when warmed up well which might take 20 min.

[@freedomd333]

Hi, I have a ducati 696 it has a choke setting on it, when i first bought the bike (brand new) i don't recall i use any of the choke, but after one and half years with some kms on the bike, now if i don't use the choke the bike will just start and stalling it after. sometime even after i ride for about 10min, and leave the bike for 30min when i come back the bike start is still kind (lazy), is this normal for the choke setting bike? thank you

[@theoverengineer]

+freedomd333 Normal for engine - choke interaction. Reason: wear on the engine and dirt on the spark plugs, valve seats, throttle plate, air filter, intake pipes, intake air temperature sensor if applicable, inside the gas tank, fuel lines, carburettor jet holes. Due to wear and dirt the ideal fuel : air ratio isn`t met, usually not enough fuel meets too much air.

[@freedomd333]

+theoverengineer i see, thank you for helping, so there's no way i can change that is that right? It's just been bit of hassle when i want leave with my friends and i have to warm up bike first.

[@theoverengineer]

+freedomd333 There is a way: clean everything listed above. In practice: just use the choke. Bike needs 1 minute of warming-up anyhow before placed under load.

[@freedomd333]

+theoverengineer Thank you very much for explain this.

[@babyboinews6896]

@theoverengineer can you explain to me how do you change a choke cable on a Kawasaki ninja zx 6r 636 2004 or show a video

[@theoverengineer]

I don't have the bike or a Kawi nearby at the moment, will do when I get one in

[@itsjustme2383]

hi just got my first bike I put the choke on and start it it revs pretty high 4000 range but after I drive for a bit so the bike is warmed the choke is off but when I put in neutral/ come to a stop it will idle for a bit then quite any suggestions or thoughts?

[@theoverengineer]

Yeah, engine too cold, takes in too much cold air + not enough gas at idle. Close the choke a bit either and ride around a bit more like that. It can take 1-10km to warm the engine up properly, depending on air temperature.

[@itsjustme2383]

ok thank you

[@ramecesseraymond3877]

My bike was warm and i closed the choke but my stayed high up 300rpm.How can i fix this problem..i keep messing with the idle screw to bring it back down to 1500rpm

[@theoverengineer]

Yeah needs carbs sync with the vacuum gauge hooked up

[@rmtheg234]

I got a 03 ninja 500, the carbs has been cleaned not too long ago, new battery, the bike runs great, air fuel ratio are all good no engine problem, but my choke don't seem to want to enrich for that rpm to go up even when the lever is all the down but i see the mechanism and the cable moving but no luck. It's a pain to start in the cold unless its warm out. Any reason why?

[@theoverengineer]

Carb:is it really visually clean inside? No gunk on float needle, on any of the small passages? What`s the compressive pressure on the cylinders? Gas quality, sediment in tank. Air filter quality, by-pass leak somewhere.

[@rmtheg234]

Yup, it is complete rebuilt, only using top tier fuel with added fuel stabilizers, good compression, no hesitation on throttle, spark plugs and air filter are new, it's just that choke that gets me.

[@MrGeoffrey1998]

Injection is great then, you basically start it cold, it does the job and you can let it warm up while driving it normally. But so many people tell me carbs are more reliable once well setup, i now wanna try it with like a hornet 600... in my city temperatures go from 5degres celsius minimum during winter to 35°C (sometimes a bit more) during summer, do you think the carb might need adjustment everytime winter comes or it's just a matter of choking the engine well ?

[@theoverengineer]

I never needed any tweaking in the same temperature zone at sea level.

[@MrGeoffrey1998]

@@theoverengineer oh great ! And do you need to wait for the engine to be at good temperature or you can finish adjusting while driving ?

[@ej_l2525]

Sorry for being so naive,I got my firt 250cc 4stroke dirtbike last two weeks ago and im getting used to it now but there are bad days because the bike wont start,but just this time I managed to start the bike after so many kicks turns out that the engine is cold and needs to be heated up??? (I tried to find the choke but cant find it on the bike)(or im just blind) (I dont even know what choke is*)😅 but my problem right now is i think that my kickstart button isnt working. (CORRECT ME PLEASE LOL IS I SAY SOME STUFFS CAUSE I DONT RLLY KNOW ABOUT BIKES but i am interested) 😀 managed to ride 2stroke without dying. 🙏

[@theoverengineer]

Find and read users` manual first.

[@ej_l2525]

theoverengineer it worked yesterday. thanks for the vid btw.

[@theoverengineer]

Ok, let me know if you`re stuck again, might be able to help a bit.

[@forgeforreal9674]

Thanks a lot, I thought My carb broke.👍

[@theoverengineer]

Glad it helped!

[@zacharyalexander2814]

I have an issue where my bike dies if the choke is on. Cold, warm, hot... doesn't matter. will start up and idle just fine but as soon as i touch the choke even slightly, it dies. Also, I can't get further than a mile down the road before it bogs down and dies and i have to walk it back home... any advice?

[@theoverengineer]

Clean fuel filter, if any, then carbs need cleaning calibrating and setting, from idle to full, whole range

[@zacharyalexander2814]

@@theoverengineer new carb and new fuel filter. I have the tools to calibrate it with and trying to understand how it works. Been looking for a video to match my bike because i'm a visual learner. if I see it done on a carb that's different, I wont understand it. i know this makes me sound dumb or something but, it's just how it is for me...

[@noahkocher92]

my bike wants to start but it just won't. it starts to crank but dies.. I don't know what's going on... any ideas?

[@U2Jaime1317]

Noah Kocher try using a little bit of gas? maybe that can help

[@theoverengineer]

Wet, old gas. Get rid of it. (the gas, not the bike)

[@kwak1k]

Noah Kocher flat battery?

[@Zelimus]

Tyyy

[@jorgeamador66]

do you ride with the choke in the off position or in the position you have to be in according to the temperature

[@theoverengineer]

+Jorge Amador I take off with the choke ON (meaning that the butterfly valve is restricting the amount of air entering the engine) either fully or partially, according to air temperature taken in by the engine. After some time in riding it is gradually turned fully OFF.

[@jorgeamador66]

Ok

[@charliesparta7947]

jean claude van damme

[@theoverengineer]

+Charlie Saliba ;)

[@outlawpredator3926]

Charlie Saliba can’t I hear it now 😂😂

[@julioceja5512]

When it’s down it’s the choke on or off?

[@mrmee1229]

So if the bike starts right up you don't need to use the choke?

[@theoverengineer]

Correct. No stalling - no choke, yes stalling - yes choke.

[@mrmee1229]

Thanks what If it stalls a little bit than after a few seconds or second try it starts ? Should I have used the choke

[@theoverengineer]

mrmee1229 Yea, that`s still a stall. And of course choke setting can`t do anything about a clean carb or air filter.

[@mrmee1229]

Well the bike I got was sitting for a bit from March to September pretty much. My friend said don't worry my carb is fine but k read somewhere if you have a bike that was sitting you may want to clean the carb. Idk I'm a newbie.

[@theoverengineer]

mrmee1229 Carb is fine: gasoline is like any organic compound, the heavy compounds settles to the bottom. The cruddy, gummy, oooie, tarry bitumenous stuff will clog the fine jets and pin holes of the carb wonderfully effectively. Since the bike starts and runs a few seconds, just keep running the engine, the carb will somewhat self-clean. Shake or stir the gas in the tank first.

[@welvi123]

Can i ride with my choke on?

[@theoverengineer]

Of course, with moderate acceleration. Otherwise if it gulps in much cold air the engine could stall mid-traffic. Quite inconveniently.

[@benjaminb1055]

Who was screaming at 2:19 - 2:29

[@joshd1062]

His next victim lol

[@OGtrushalpatel]

r u german

[@doesyomamaknowtho1468]

I think I need a new battery then cos mine revs for a few seconds then dies. Yay for winter

[@theoverengineer]

Nothing wrong with the battery, choke setting is finicky

[@kenjaemzee3533]

This is not aerox 155

[@BenBennnis]

Sounds like a right pain tbh

[@broderp]

This explains nothing. You don't have a choke issue because regardless of where the the choke is set the engine runs. Everyone with common sense messes with the choke control once the engine is started and for the sake of starting the motor the theory behind it is useless information.

[@theoverengineer]

Where does the title or the audio track say "This video will explain anything"? Might want to actually pay attention. Everyone with common sense gets it. Beyond that, a useless comment.

[@kushsakhu]

Judt demonstrate how to do it please and forget all the rest of the technical stuff

[@user-to4fg3ei8e]

100th like

[@DarkMorthy]

Biker people are rhe worsg making viedeos

[@theoverengineer]

Yop, adn spelign, to. Migt be do to luck of scoolin.