What is this piece?

[ajkolar]

1988 OMC Cobra 5.7. On the starboard side of the intake manifold is (towards the center, under the carb) is a small piece of coiled metal with a cover that is held on by two screws. What is this? I believe I may have damaged mine (which already appeared to be old rusty and not doing anything) when working on the engine. Is this something that needs to be replaced?

 

[newport dave]

Re: What is this piece?

Thats your automatic choke thermostat. Your automatic choke will not function or may function improperly if it is damaged. You can get a new one for about ten bucks at most auto parts stores (it is not marine specific).<br /><br />Dave

 

[KaGee]

Re: What is this piece?

LOOK HERE <br /><br />The part is discontiued by OMC, but like said above, should be available through NAPA.

 

[ajkolar]

Re: What is this piece?

I thought it might be something like that... However, unless some of mine is missing, I don't understand how this works? It doesn't seem to connect to the carb in any way, and I am sure it isn't doing anything under the manifold? Kagee, Which part number is it on that exploded view from dougrussell.com? I looked there prior to posting but I couldn't seem to pick it out.<br /><br />I am reasonably mechanically inclined, but very carb illiterate! How can I verify if the automatic choke is working while looking at the carb during startup? Sorry for the ignorance. <br /><br />Thank you all for your help!

 

[KaGee]

Re: What is this piece?

2 bbl or 4 bbl carb???

 

[ajkolar]

Re: What is this piece?

4 bbl quadrajet

 

[KaGee]

Re: What is this piece?

LOOK at part number 28. That is your choke thermostat. as the intake warms, the spring coils up pulling the choke butterfly open wider.

 

[ajkolar]

Re: What is this piece?

So it looks like part number 25 is the link from the coil to the carb, is that right. If that is the case I must be missing it (never had it when purchased). So if I buy a new choke thermostat from the auto parts store, will they have the linkage to hook it to the carb, or will that have to be purchased from a marine specific supplier? <br /><br />Also, I want to make sure that this piece bolts to the intake manifold, not the carb, right? Thanks!

 

[KaGee]

Re: What is this piece?

Yes, #25 is the link that connects the coil with the butterfly linkage. Surprised the engine ran warm without it.<br /><br />That carb is similar to the Q-Jet used in auto's. You should be able to locate both at NAPA. You might also check your local Chevy parts house. Have them look up any 88 Chevy with a 4 bbl 5.7.<br /><br />NAPA may want your carb number too. Write it down and take it with you if you can find it.