Technical Do I need to run a choke on a flathead

I have a 1950 flathead with dual stromberg 97 carbs.
The rear carb is set up with a functioning choke. The front is disabled.
Do I need to have a manual choke, or can I run without it?
Problems starting etc. ?
Thanks,
DK

 

You won't need one assuming you don't drive your hotrod in the dead of winter and you are always late for work. I actually hooked up both chokes on my dual 97 flatty from my Deuce dash and never used it. Pump the gas twice and with 2 accelerator pumps working there is plenty of fuel to start your engine. Let it warm up a few seconds and off you go.

I should add that my old Mallory dist is converted to Chrysler electronic ignition and it starts too fast for that iconic growl of the old 6V starting system. Jab the starter button and it is running. Boom... that quick...too quick for nostalgia.

 

If you are using a mechanical fuel pump and like it to start on the 1st couple cranks, then hook up a choke.

 

I have the same setup.........I like the choke,,,,,,,just in case it needs little kick in the butt

 

HAVE A MANUAL CHOKE ON MINE NEVER USED IT YET

 

If it is jetted rich enough to start cold, with no choke, you are probably wasting fuel when warm.

 

I have the same set-up as you,prefer the choke.

 

Ditto oldsman had one 97 with manual choke...didn't need it.

 

Whether you use the choke or not, the chokeplates - in the upright (open) position are indeed necessary to insure a smooth airstream over the open ends of the discharge jets for proper venturi signal and atomization of the fuel.
The old thinking was to remove them for "more flow"...
That theory has been proven to be a load of crap.
In fact, you might just pick up 2 or 3 horsepower.

 

"Choke" starts right up when cold!

 

Better to have one and not need it then to need it and not have it.

 

I assume that would apply to rochesters also?

 

If it takes more than one stab at the acellerator pedal to start the motor without a choke you will be washing the cylinder walls of oil increasing wear of the block and rings and diluting the oil in the crankcase. Should this be your circumstance a working choke is in order.

 

You can run without it. Makes it a pain in the ass to start on a cold morning, and more prone to flooding by over pumping. I ran without a choke for years on my 3 deuces, I won't again.

 

Thanks everyone. Guess I will try without a manual choke hookup and go from there.

 

I have the choke hooked up on the rear 94 on my dual carb set-up. Works fine. Especially on a cold morning. The fast idle is pretty handy too.

 

So many opinions

 

I would setup a manual choke on it, especially in Colorado for a clear cold day in winter or late fall. If you lived in SoCal probably OK without it.