10 replies to this topic

[Alistair]

Did a quick search and couldn't find the answer. Up untill what year did the Mini use a manual choke? Only asking as I'm a new driver and don't fancy using a choke.
Thanks

Alistair

[taffy1967]

The first Mini to do without the manual choke knob was with the introduction of the Single Point Fuel Injected Mini Cooper 1.3i from late 1991. Other Mini models stuck with the carburretor and manual choke though.

Then I believe all Mini models went fuel injection and did away with the manual choke around 1995?

From late 1996 all Mini models went Twin-Point/Multi Point Injected and yes they still didn't require a manual choke either!

[Grayedout]

Only asking as I'm a new driver and don't fancy using a choke

One of the best ways to get the feel of an engine !!!!

ALL young drivers should be forced to drive a 998 Mini for a year ! Would definitely improve young peoples driving skills and appreciation of cars !!!!

Rant over !

[Alistair]

Thanks guys - this forum is proving really helpful already!

[Bounce]

I was under the impression that all injection cars do not have a choke.

Instead they have 'cold start' enrichments programmed in the ecu which uses either an Idle Air Control Valve or Stepper Motor.

[Bass Man]

Only asking as I'm a new driver and don't fancy using a choke.

Why?

This is what real motering is about, along with remembering to switch off the lights and lock the passenger door!

Just be glad you don't have to prime the ignition, rotate the engine to TDC and crank it over!!

[Jimmyarm]

Have you ever used a car with a choke ? Its not exactly complicated, just pull it out till she starts then push it back in when its warmed up a bit

ALL young drivers should be forced to drive a 998 Mini for a year ! Would definitely improve young peoples driving skills and appreciation of cars !!!!

It just makes you want more !

[Bass Man]

It also forces people to actually slow down at traffic calming measures.

[taffy1967]

Well with all these new fangled things being added to cars nowadays, I just wish they'd also invent the rear fog lamps that switch themselves off automatically when there is no dense fog about, plus the automatic full beam dipper to stop equally thoughtless drivers from dazzling on-coming traffic and of course the auto fist in the face device for those who insist on talking on their mobile phone whilst driving.

So yes using a choke isn't rocket science and certainly no more difficult than ensuring you're rear fog lights are off when not needed.

[pogie]

If you’re new to driving you've probably never had the need to use a choke as nearly all modern cars use injection to fuel the engine. To be honest it's nothing to be worried about, all you have to do is pull the choke knob out before starting the engine from cold, drive away as normal and once there is a bit of heat in the engine you push the choke knob back in. The choke forces the carb to give the engine a bit more fuel to help it when it's cold, it also raises the engine tick over a bit but honestly it's really not a problem.

Now, trying to start and keep a cold carburetored engine running without a working choke is much more of a challenge.

Edited by pogie, 24 February 2007 - 04:27 PM.

[murtle]

I may be wrong but i believe the last mini model to have a carb is the 35 SE (i have one)

i rarely use the choke on mine only ever used it in frozen conditions, although having said that i think it runs a bit rich but soon to be fixed, well after i fix the stripped tread on the sump.....