1964 FI Choke Issue

[Patrick C.]

Re: 1964 FI Choke Issue

Pat, the biggest problem you may have is getting the old tube out of the manifold. Given that it is very old and rusty, it is most likely frozen to the manifold and pieces will just break up. You may end up doing some drilling, but keep in mind at least on the bottom it has to be a press fit in order to seal out exhaust gasses. Topside, the tube itself does not have to be a press fit, and probably is best if it isn't, as trying to press in a thin wall tube through several inches of iron can be difficult to do without damaging the tube. As long as the flare is a press, then you are sealed. I put some muffler sealer around the flare when I installed mine as the fit was not real tight. All is well so far.

It should not be that hard to remove the manifold. I have done it several times. 6 bolts + the 3 on the flange and any accessories bolted to the front - alternator for instance.

-Dan-

Thanks Dan


Good advice on the tubes. I think I will be doing some pre-fitting of the tubes before I try to press it into the manifold. Looks like the fuelie aircleaner and ignition shielding will also have to come off.

Pat

[Mike M.]

Re: 1964 FI Choke Issue

pat is right on. remove the manifold and do the repair on a work bench/vice and drill press. way easier to do off the engine and less likely to oversize the lower hole in the manifold. good luck, mike

[Patrick C.]

Re: 1964 FI Choke Issue

I pulled the exhaust manifold off today. There was a very small rust hole near the lower end of the inside tube. The rest of the tube was in good shape. I cut the old tube in half inside the manifold and then drilled the old tube .040 undersize. I used a drift pin to knock both ends out. I then pressed in the new stainless tube. It fit nice and snug.

My wife then dragged me out of the workshop to go to the governors pre-inaugural event tonight in Tulsa. Will put it all back together tomorrow. I had cleaned up the choke earlier.

Thanks for the help everyone!

[John D.]

Re: 1964 FI Choke Issue

More of my restorations have been ruined and many of people I talk to on the phone, etc have choke issues with the '63 to '65 FI's because they didn't have the tube replaced in the drivers side exhaust manifold. The '942 manifold.
Maybe I told you the time at the Corvette Expo in Knoxville that I had to clean out a choke housing with zippo lighter fluid and a ton of Q-tips.
I like the choke piston but I can tell you it invites trouble if it sticks. Now if it sticks you know its because of carbon.
Choke shafts. I hone out the air meter bore or use a metric drill bit to insure the choke shaft doesn't bind. I work over the cone too with brute force with a dead blow.
Last week I got two phone calls from DB members having issues with 63 chokes.
Basically the setup is quite simple. Want to know all about it friends? Read the manual. John

[Patrick C.]

Re: 1964 FI Choke Issue

John

I need a new gasket for the choke. I will call you tomorrow.