Date:         Mon, 17 Nov 2003 18:03:41 -0700
Reply-To:     Gnarlodious <gnarlodious@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Gnarlodious <gnarlodious@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject:      Re: DIESEL starting and other general questions
Comments: To: Felder <felder@KNOLOGY.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <53CBFBB6-196F-11D8-A774-000393DB2980@knology.net>
Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

Entity Felder spoke thus:

> Hello,
>
> My question is, what's the starting procedure using the "knob," or more
> properly, does use of the "knob" contribute to the cutting down of
> smoke upon startup?
Yes, it gives you more fuel which assists in more complete combustion. But
only while cold.

You should use The Knob whenever your engine is cold, or even not-so-cold as
long as it reduces white smoke.

> The last few days I've been pulling out the so-called "choke" knob, and
> the smoking seems almost non-existent!
That's normal. I use The Knob for as short as possible to get good power,
then it goes off.

> Everywhere I read anything about the "choke"
> know only serves to confuse me more, none of it seems to agree
Especially at 7200 feet of altitude, the rules are strictly situational.
Using qualitative judgements like "good" and "bad" are useful in these
situations.

> But there's still a small
> nagging leak at the flywheel-end seal
Me too. That leak is a real bitch. Plan on control not elimination. I park
over a block of 2x10 lumber and have a piece of 1/16th cable hanging down to
prevent drops from blowing on my hatch on long trips.

--Gnarlie in Santa Fe (thin air)