Weber Works!

Choke adjustment procedure and Diagnostics: All 32/32, 32/36, 38/38 series DGV model Webers. Not intended for manually controlled choke models.

There are 3 major component elements in the choke system on the DGV series.
 

1. Bi-metal element that controls heat/time cycles during cold start operation.
2. Water or electric add-on heating elements to aid in faster warm conditions
3. A high speed idle mechanical linkage

This article will deal with their interaction and proper setup.

Base setup:

The bi-metal section must be set first regardless of whether the choke has a water or electric add-on section. The bi-metal sets the base choke distance with a predetermined amount of spring tension against the choke butterflies. On almost every situation at cold rest before starting the choke butterflies should be fully closed with some additional tension past closing as applied through the bi-metal section.

Butterfly Valve on top of a Weber DGAV 32/36 Carburetor

To adjust the butterfly position there are 3 straight 7mm bolts located on the side of the choke body retaining ring that allow the bi-metal section to be rotated either clockwise or counterclockwise. Due to build variations there are two versions, each one will turn a different direction to close the butterflies. It can be helpful to make a mark similar to the one on the bi-metal section and the choke body retaining ring (see picture below) to help keep track of the direction of adjustment.

During adjustment procedures the throttle linkage must be opened slightly to allow free movement of the choke high idle linkage. Holding the throttle open slightly will allow the butterflies to move freely so you can note what direction to turn the bi-metal element.

Water Choke Assembly. Electric Chokes have no hoses and an
electrical connection where the Outer Water Housing is located

If the choke has a water housing add-on then the 11mm bolt in the center of the water housing can be loosened to allow the housing to rotate to adjust the bi-metal's position. This outer water housing bolt has nothing to do with richness setting -- it only orients the position of the water housing so that you can easily adjust the bi-metal section. If the hoses keep you from rotating the bi-metal section, follow these steps:

1. Tighten the three retaining bolts.
2. Loosen the outer water housing bolt
3. Turn the housing in a direction that allows free movement of the bi-metal section
4. Tighten down the outer water housing bolt
5. Loosen the three retaining ring bolts again to adjust the position of the bi-metal section.

Electric add-on elements must be connected to a circuit that is only supplied with power when the engine is running. After a few minutes either the water or electric add-on should get fairly hot, causing the bi-metal heat up which, in turn, causes the choke element butterflies to rotate open.

As the engine warms the idle speed will increase. This is normal. Because the high idle system is mechanical, it will not automatically drop the idle speed after the engine is warmed up. It is always a good idea to stay with the vehicle as it warms up. If left unattended, you may return after a short time to find the engine running at very high RPMs.