Topic: CB350 Rough Choke Movement - Pic

[matt s]

OK, I am admittedly very new to this, so this question could be very elementary.  I've just purchased a '73 350 and trying to start this thing is a real pain, the battery is weak, so I kick it started.  Problem is, the choke won't open or close very easily.  If I close it (move it to a horizontal position), I have about 1/2" play in the choke lever before I meet some serious resistance.  I can push through the resistance to open it up (move it to a vertical position), and then I have the same 1/2" play from the open side as well.

I hope I explained that well.  My question is: is there a resistance setting on this choke lever like I have seen some people mention regarding the 750 choke?  If not, any suggestions to try and get this thing opening and closing more smoothly?  The lever is starting to crack where that red arrow is pointing from pushing it so hard.

Thanks!

[kslrr]

Something is wrong with how that lever is mounted.  It should move easily, with a click at the up possition as the spring loaded ball sets in the  indent.  I don't have my carbs to look at but I would say that some sort of spacer is missing or the nut is too tight.

[hoodellyhoo]

I would say just bite the bullet and take the carbs off. That way you will probably get a much better idea of what's going on with your linkage. I t would also make lubing things a lot easier.

[fishhead]

Lube the pivot that is pointed out in your picture.
 
  Sometimes the hard working of the lever is caused by the choke flaps not being centered in the bore and rubbing the side of the bore when closed. You can probably see where the choke flap is hitting the bore.
 If you remove the carbs and work each choke flap individually, you can probably feel which one is the hard one to work. You can loosen the screws holding the flap in place and reposition the flap to where it doenst hit the bore when being closed.

[1timduke]

Is you clutch cable interfering with the linkage?   Mine was, made it extremely difficult to move the choke after 1/2 position.

-Tim

[matt s]

Lube the pivot that is pointed out in your picture.

Well, this piece of advice worked out for me.  I disconnected the rod extending from the choke lever to the choke flaps to try and isolate the problem.  The choke flaps opened and closed just fine - The choke lever was the problem.  Easy fix, thanks!