Does an 88 Have a Choke Switch??

[Dude]

I have an 88 and have just lost my choke thermostat. I replaced the carb 3 years and 50K miles ago. When doing so, I only removed the carb vent and the A/C fast idle solenoid. But the electrical schematic shows the "Choke Switch" on this thing. I've got power to the choke thermostat whenever the engine is on. I guess that's why it eventually blew. If these things have a choke switch, where does it live??

I imagine it's purpose is to cut the power once the ambient temp is high enough to keep the choke open. Does it sense coolant temp or ambient temp??

Thanks for the help

[davez26]

Dude,
I can't speak for all years, but I do know at least on the '79 vintage that the choke coil is always powered as long as there is oil pressure. If you look down at the oil filter area, you will see a brass tee. On one end will be a canister thingy. That one senses pressure and sends signal to the guage. The other one will be a two wire switch. It senses oil pressure in more of a yes/no fashion. With ignition on, power goes through there and powers the choke coil. If oil pressure fails, it is supposed to open the switch, close the choke and kill the motor. Pretty slick in theory. The choke coil expands or contracts via ambiant temperature and if current is present. I don't know why this wouldn't apply to your '88 as well as my '79 'cuz Jeep didn't change much in the 29 years they made these creatures

[Bob Barry]

Dave is right; the choke should see power as long as there is oil-pressure. That current is supplied full-time regardless of temperature, so I doubt it is the root of your choke's failure, as that is how it was designed to work.

[Dude]

Gents,
Well that answers two questions. When I was rebuilding the engine last fall I was wondering why there were two oil pressure devices over there. Now I know. It's a bummer that coil went, but I really don't need it. I'm in MD right now and have been starting it up after 20-30F nights and it stumbles just a bit at light off, but runs pretty sweet thereafter. I think the Jacobs ignition pack is making the difference. There's no way that thing would run w/ out a choke before. Thanks again for the info.