Choke Adjustment

[wayne kelly]

Hi Folks,
Question regarding a 1967 Triumph TR4A. When the choke is pulled out, it immediately wants to return to the off position when released. What can be done to ensure that the choke remains in the forward or on position when released?
Thanks for your help!

 

[NutmegCT]

Welcome to BCF!

I don't have a TR4 but ... will choke knob lock in position when pulled out *and then turned clockwise*?

Tom

 

[dklawson]

I don't know the specific OEM cable for the TR4. On some British cars the choke cable core is "solid" instead of stranded and those stay in place just due to friction. Other cars of the period used a braided cable that you could twist to lock as Tom said. Depending on how important originality is to you, you could use either a choke cable with a solid core wire or a twist-lock choke cable as would have been used on cars like the MGB the same age as your TR4.

 

[sail]

Close Tom, counter clockwise on my 4A locks it. Usually leave it locked for a mile or two, turn right to release and let it go off on its own.
WELCOME! On a whim hopped the ferry to Yarmouth a few years ago, slept in the empty bar (off season and low budget) had a nice drive around the southern portion of Nova Scotia, and back to the states thru New Brunswick. Would like to go back to PEI.

 

[Geo Hahn]

I think the original cable were designed with a spring loaded little crescent shaped piece (quite tiny) that engaged notches on the solid part of the cable (the part just behind the knob). As you pull it out the knob the springed piece clicks into the notches to hold whatever position you pull to. To release the cable you twist the knob and the piece moves off of the notch and the cable goes back in. That's how mine works.

The common problem occurs because if the cable is ever withdrawn and spring is moved that little crescent bit can fall out -- often unnoticed -- then there is nothing to hold the position of the cable.

The traditional 'tool' to hold the choke out should that feature be lost is simple enough -- a clothes pin.

 

[TR3driver]

The little crescent shaped piece also wears out over time. If you are perverse enough, you can make a new one from brass stock.

The replacement cable I got from Moss several decades ago is a "twist to lock" design (and will lock if turned either way). It used a similar little spring-loaded metal piece, which I was able to replace (and restore the locking function).

 

[Don Elliott]

Some TR owners with this problem carry a clothes-peg in the side pocket so when they want the choke to stay "ON", they put the clothes-peg on the choke cable after they pull out the knob.