1988 2.0 rough idle/stall when cold

[dirtyranger88]

My truck doesn't like the cold and it wants to stall out if I don't let it warm up for at least 15 min. Before I drive it. I checked the choke but seems to be working fine. kinda stuck on what could be wrong. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Spott]

What kind of cold is "cold"?

 

[RonD]

So choke plate is closing all the way on colder mornings, and it's cam on throttle linkage is causing higher idle?

Normal startup for carb engine on cold start is to push gas pedal to the floor once, this sets the choke plate closed and allows choke cam to move and setup throttle for higher idle.

The choke plate closing causes more fuel to be sucked from the jets, cold engines need a richer air/fuel mix, higher idle is needed to keep richer mix stable.

Other side of this is that the choke is closing too much and causing engine to flood out.
Does it seem to be blowing blackish smoke out the tail pipe on cold start?

 

[dirtyranger88]

About 55 degrees and below I'm in Chicago if that helps

 

[Mark_88]

buy and install a block heater and that will cure 90% of your problems.

I had the same engine and even with the choke working it would take a long time to warm up...especially when the temps hit below -10 C.

You can get in-line block heaters that you can install in the lower rad hose (on the up angle according to instructions) and plug it in for maybe an hour before leaving on really cold days...takes less time on warmer days...

The only other thing you need to buy would be a lower rad hose that you can cut to install the block heater...and maybe an extension cord if you have to park far away from the house.

I bought mine for $50 and never looked back...

Here is a link...

https://www.google.ca/search?q=in-l...sions%2F1627-engine-block-heater.html;300;156