Sisson Chokes - A Technical Study

[Dan Hiebert]

This thread is making me rethink the Sisson choke (or lack thereof) on our D24.  When we still lived in Horizon City (El Paso), TX shortly after we got the car, I was having trouble with the Sisson choke.  It wasn't allowing the choke to open when I'd try to restart the car once it was warmed up.  I'd have to have someone physically hold the choke open to start it when hot.  Didn't know anything about adjusting it, the need for the gasket (didn't have one), etc., so I just put in a manual choke that has worked flawlessly since.  While I'm a firm believer in don't- fix-what-aint-broke, I'm also one to giggle like a school girl when I get something original to work like it's supposed to.  I may venture down the path of reinstalling it...for giggles.  

[38DeSoto]

Today, after 53 years of family ownership the original Sisson choke is once again operational.  The original heat gasket had completely disintegrated causing a short -  replaced the heat gasket, hooked wire from starter back up and made a new rod to carburetor.  Starts and runs perfect.  Amazing the Sisson still works after sitting idle for so long.

[greg g]

I believe that old devil asbestos was bonded to the sheet metal piece that comprised the base of the manifold stove.  I remember my dad fussing about the automatic choke on his 54 Meadowbrook.   He couldn't get used to the new fangled thing and missed the hand choke and throttle of his 49 Wayfarer.  I remember reading in the owners manual that the cold weather starting procedure said to press the gas pedal firmly to the floor, then to release it before engaging the starter. This opened the throttle butterfly and set the carb linkage to the fast idle position.  This facilitated the closing of the choke butterfly when the key was turned to start. If the car didn't start you were to give it 1/3 throttle pedal when engaging  the starter again.

[D35 Torpedo]

My scission works fine. I used white exhaust gasket material. I put aluminum tape on both sides. Not sure if it helped. But it made me feel good.