Chokes for the Chevrolet G20
The Chevrolet G20 is a G-Series van, which was produced by General Motors between 1964 and 1995. The vans are prevalent among plumbers, caterers, and other types of small businesses. The choke for Chevrolet G20 plays an important role in regulating the air and fuel mixture.
What is the purpose of the choke thermostat?The choke thermostat is a part of the carburetor, which mixes together air and fuel into the proper ratio for combustion. The carburetor was used in older vehicles. The choke thermostat essentially controls the operation of the choke valve. Based on the temperature of the engine, the choke thermostat determines how much air pressure the choke valve should let in, therefore altering the ratio of fuel and air entering the cylinders. If the Chevys engine is too cold, then the choke will limit the airflow, which will enrich the mixture of fuel and air. This will make the engine easier to start. The opposite will occur if the Chevrolet G20 is running too hot. The choke is an important part of a naturally aspirated vehicle, in which oxygen intake depends on atmospheric pressure. If the choke is damaged, then the carburetor will not receive the correct amount of fuel and air mixture. The result will be poor performance and hard starts. The choke is especially vulnerable to heat damage.
What are the main types of choke thermostats?There are generally three different types of choke thermostats to select from for your Chevrolet. The first major type is the divorced choke thermostat, also known as a remote choke thermostat. It resembles a coiled strip. When the G20 is cold, the coiled strip will contract and prevent air from flowing through the choke, therefore enriching the air and fuel mixture.
The second major type is known as a hot air choke thermostat. It is similar to the divorced thermostat in that the coil will constrict the amount of air flowing through the choke. However, an important difference is that the coiled strip is connected to a vacuum piston assembly. The thermostat is controlled by hot air from the exhaust that is passed over the coil, allowing the vacuum tube to open the choke and let more air in.
The last type is known as an electric thermostat. In this setup, the coil is connected directly to the battery, and the choke is opened and closed electrically. The different types of choke thermostats are not compatible with each other, so you should make sure that the new part will fit inside of your particular model.
What does an OEM part mean?OEM, which stands for original equipment manufacturer, means that the new replacement part comes from the same manufacturer as the original thermostat in your van. An OEM part will ensure the best possible fit and compatibility. Some companies sell aftermarket thermostats that will claim to match or exceed the OEM design. Although these thermostats are not the exact same as the original, they should deliver comparable performance. If you drive an older van, then the original part may no longer be available, and you will need to select an aftermarket replacement.