<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome small engines like mowers have electric starters that don’t require choking. These pull enough current spin the motor fast enough to start without choking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So in summary, carbureted small engines found on most lawn and garden equipment have chokes. More advanced fuel injected or electric start motors often eliminate the need for choking. Check your engine type if unsure whether it has a choke. The presence of a choke symbol indicates the engine is equipped with one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>How Should You Start an Engine With a Choke?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAll small engines need a specific starting procedure for smooth operation. Follow these proper steps when starting an engine with a choke:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>1. Close the Choke<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nEngage the choke by closing to the start or closed position. This enriches the mix for starting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>2. Prime the Carburetor<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nOptionally prime the carb by pushing the bulb 2-3 times. This sends fuel into the carburetor throat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>3. Pull the Starter Cord<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nPull the starter cord with short, brisk, straight pulls. Repeat until the engine tries to start or “pops”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>4. Allow the Engine to Warm Up<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nLet the engine run 15-30 seconds to gradually warm up. Begin slowly opening the choke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>5. Open the Choke<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nFully open the choke for unrestricted airflow once the engine runs evenly without sputtering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This routine ensures fast, reliable starting with the choke helping ignite the cold engine. Make sure to open once warm to prevent engine flooding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Suggested Video<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nHere is a video showing the complete starting procedure with a choke:<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/E1tASmLf0YM” title=”YouTube video player” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share” allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Why You Shouldn’t Use the Choke on a Hot Engine?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAs outlined before, the choke enriches the fuel mixture to help cold starting. Using the fuel-rich choke on a hot engine can cause major issues:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Creates Extremely Rich Mixture<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nHot engines already atomize fuel fully and don’t require extra enrichment. Adding choke makes the mix dangerously rich.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Risk of Engine Fires<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe excess fuel overwhelms the engine and can ignite in the manifold or muffler, creating fire hazards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Flooding and Loading Up<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nJust like with prolonged choke use, enriched mixtures on hot engines flood the combustion chamber leading to stall out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Hard Starting