Homemade Automatic Choke Small Engine

How I built an automatic choke for our generator using an electric door lock from a car.
Our generator with electric/remote start originally came with an automatic choke (which eventually failed). Unable to find parts, I decided to build my own so that I could start our backup generator from the house using the remote start key fob without having to be next to the generator to manually hold the choke closed. Here's how I did it...

[@davidcriscolo4768]

Super awesome idea. I’m going to attempt to do something similar. Thank you!

[@jakecourtright1224]

Great idea. Bought a 12v solenoid but didn't have enough force to overcome spring. Trying to build a belt drive generator for my RV. I have a Magnum Inverter system with an auto generator start. Onan way to much and doesn't fit. Heading to junk yard to find a door lock. Thanks.

[@jonsgarage3859]

How do you intend to stop the actuator from pulling back?

[@Naturally-Kelly]

I could swear I already responded to this, but sorry if I missed doing so. I tied a return spring to the actuator to "pull off" the choke immediately when the power is cut from the starter. For my engine, it works fine - I absolutely need choke to start it, but it floods easy after so it works well for my situation. Other people/other engines may require something different. This video just shows how I found a solution for my particular problem when I couldn't find parts for the ideal fix. 3 years later and the whole carb assembly with automatic choke can be found on Amazon for $35 bucks! LOL. I wish I could have found it back then!

[@jonsgarage3859]

@@Naturally-Kelly ok cool, I attempted that on my generator but positioning the spring was really awkward so I configured the actuator to pull back and then cut power when the generator starts

[@Naturally-Kelly]

Glad you found a solution :)

[@samueladitya1729]

won't it leak the vacuum, or did you plug the vacuum outlet?

[@matt-justice]

Any house updates? Love your build vids!!

[@Naturally-Kelly]

Thanks Matt. We've had a year of tremendous changes in our life and little building. More building coming this summer though :)

[@TrinityEon]

Great video. How did you wire the solenoid? Did you have a relay with a timer?

[@Naturally-Kelly]

Thanks for the question. The solenoid is wired to the starter. When 12V goes to the starter, the circuit continues to the solenoid for the choke. When the starter motor disengages, the choke disengages as well. I realize on some engines, the choke needs to stay on till the engine warms. On this particular Chinese made engine, it floods easy if the choke is left pulled on and so it doesn't require it on any longer than the initial start.

[@jonsgarage3859]

@@Naturally-Kelly Just one issue here.. the actuator is not a solenoid, it uses a 12vdc motor that when 12vdc is applied to it goes forward and when polarity is reversed, it reverses.

[@Naturally-Kelly]

​@@jonsgarage3859 You are correct. The door lock actuator is actually motor-driven. I added a spring to the actuator to retract it. You can see it when I have the assembly on the counter as well as the last shot of the engine starting. The way the original vacuum controlled choke worked was very similar in that as soon as the engine came up to speed, the choke pulled off 100% if the engine is cold enough that it requires the choke to be pulled on till the engine warms - it can still be done manually. This engine won't start without choke - even when it is hot so it was a good solution for my purpose. 2 years later and it is still running good the same way with my cheap little fix.

[@jackruska6742]

Great video. Enjoyed it. I am in the middle of doing sort of the same thing. I have a question. On the actuator, there are two wires usually blue and green. I have mine already mounted but trying to hook it up on a switch. I would rather do the same install as you did off the starter coil. Could you please explain where you ran your power wire off of the starter to the actuator and did you just ground the other wire? As you can tell I am not very electrical savy and really can use some help. Thanks again for your video. Good Job

[@Naturally-Kelly]

Sorry Jack, I missed seeing your comment earlier. The actuator is like an electro magnet you have a + and a -. Which ever wire on the actuator is (-) run that to ground. On the (+) run that to the hot side of the solenoid used to turn the starter. When you turn the key, +12v runs to a solenoid that connects the starter to the battery. Basically, you want that same +12v that is going to the starter to also run over to the actuator. If you can't figure that wire out, you can also just tie it directly to the (+) side of the starter. The moment the starter is disengaged, so is the choke actuator. Hope this helps.

[@vjmacintyre]

call the number in your manual for parts.. i called Champion before and got a guy in Toronto. parts weren't expensive either.. the internet isn't always the answer! hope this helps

[@MrCustomconstruction]

Have wanted to add remote starters to my two generators. May use this to do the chokes. Thanx

[@rogerdowney5220]

Thanks

[@AshishKumar-sb7is]

Tq sir

[@Ryiad123]

The choke plate is available on Amazon for $15.nice idea running it electronic but it overcomplicates a simple system.

[@Naturally-Kelly]

True. It is now...but 2 years ago when this video was made, I couldn't find a replacement part anywhere as I noted in the vid. There are also a lot of people who may want to use this idea on other projects that don't come with automatic chokes. I disagree - I think it simplifies a very complicated problem for engines that don't come with automatic chokes :)