Choke

The choke valve should be closed first thing in the morning. If it is not, then the fast idle cam could be holding it open. If so, after one pump of the go pedal the choke should be closed for sure. If it is now open, then you have a problem with the choke. The choke valve is the round plate at the top of the carburetor throat, visible after the air cleaner top is removed. Your description of the problem is consistent with a choke problem for sure.

Earle

THANKS! It stays open... how do I fix it?

Replace it.

If it stays open it is broken or someone has wired it open.

Your symptoms can also happen if you put the gas filter in upside down.

Mike

Joe wrote:

Is the tab bent or something?

Does the tab move freely?

I see the shaft this tab is on get seized up bad where it goes through the choke body and then up to the choke plate.

It also takes a while for the spring to cool down and close the choke, it isn't instant or anything.

Mike

Joe wrote:

"It also takes a while for the spring to cool down and close the choke, it isn't instant or anything." That's what it is. I shut off the engine and said "SH*T, the choke is open... should snap closed"... Then I remembered reading somewhere that it slowly closes when it cools. Mike, thanks for your help.

Now that I have the engine starting and running well, I attack the leaks! Rear diff first.