Sisson Automatic Choke Testing Stand

[desoto1939]

The other day I was able to acquire a Sisson Automatic Choke Testing Fixture or stand. This unit was used by the car dealers and also repair shops to test the automatic chokes that sit on the intake manifolds and also test new units to make they are working properly. I have attached several pitures of the unit.

On the face of the unit are the instructions for setting up the choke and there is a thermometer to read the existing temperature. You need to have the current choke that you are testing to have to come to the room temp.

You set the choke on the stand and then use the adjusting and setting rod to set the arm in the proper setup. Then you attache the long rod to the arm. Loosen the nut that holds the arm fixed and move the arm so the long rod is not at the starting point which is locted 0on the tool. You then take the reading on the thermometer and in this case it was 75 degrees. I test my unit and the thermometer is working.

You then pull out the adjusting tool and let the arm swing to the left. There are markings for 100, 80 and 70 onthe face plate. The pointer should then register within ten degress plus or minus of the room temp. This tells you that the unit is working and is not binding. In my test the temp was 75 degrees and when I removed the adjusting the arm was sitting equally between the 80 and 70 degree indicators almost at 75 degrees. This informed that the unit is properly reading the current temp and will work properly onthe car.

I also recently purchased the Sisson Service manual and it also has some very valuable information onthe various chokes that were used on the Chrylers, DeSotos, Dodges and Plymouths and also has pictures and talks about the proper adjusts and also the Sisson tools that were used to adjust the chokes.

I have created a PDF file that I have burned to a CD. If you are interested in the Service Manual the cost is $15 which includes the shipping and handling.

Since this is on a CD you will never wear out a paper copy and can print it if you want a paper version.

refer to the attached pictures of the setup and test that I performed

Contact me if you are interested inthe CD.

Rich Hartung

Desoto1939@aol.com

484-431-8157 cell

[jd52cranbrook]

Pretty slick

[Reg Evans]

Way cool !

[oldmopar]

Its amazing the old equipment that is still out there. As for auto chokes I just do not like them and wind up converting to a hand choke. That way if my vehicle gets me mad I can choke it

[desoto1939]

What I was trying to do is provide some education to the fourm members on how the old sisson chokes were checked at the dealerships.

The stand uses the ambient temperature and when set with the setting tool and set at the zero mark the unit then should be within a 5-10 setting of the current temp based onthe thermometer on the stand.

I thought it was a good post for the entire group. I will check anyones sisson choke if they thinks it not working properly you just pay the postage both ways. The service is free.

Parting knowledge is what the form is all about.

I also have an original sisson manual that I have copied to PDF for anyone that wnats one. So this is another service that I have provided since it got the tool and manual.

Rich HArtung

[woodie49]

Definately a cool tool!

[Tom Skinner]

Great Tool! You are a lucky man!

I test mine with a 9v battery and some wire alligator clips if they snap shut

with that they work. Just take a small 9v Battery and clip one end to the body of the Sisson Choke and the other lead to the Brass Screw where the wire hooks to atop the Choke. It should snap Shut - then you know they work.

I know this is just an ignorant man's way of testing them but it works.

Then follow the instructions in your manual on proper Choke adjustment and you should achieve sucess.

I recently bought 2 sissons for $12 on ebay and they both work.

I cleaned them up with a wire wheel.

On ebay now some one is trying to sell one for $189 - way too much in MHO.

Tom

[desoto1939]

The sisson choke that is for sale for $189 is being sold by Frank Mitchell. If you look at the post you will notice that Frank has sold the business to another guy. From What I have been told Frank is still with the business to help the guy. I have seen a big jump in the prices since it wa sold but Frank was always high on his items.

The testing stand is just a nice conversation piece but still does work. I took it to an all mopar show and the item was a big hit. I am always looking for good prices on these chokes and only bid when I can get a good price.

Rich Hartung