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My 1995 Ford Telstar has just started blowing black smoke. My mechanic has told me the automatic choke is the cause of the problem and has quoted me a ridiculous price to fix.

I'm wondering if I might be able to do it myself. I sort of know my way around an engine, I just need some instructions on what to do.

Can you point me in the right direction on where to start?

Paul

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 14 January 2009

I am making an assumption that the car is fitted with a carburettor rather than being fuel injected.

My best advice is to consider purchasing a second-hand carburettor complete from an auto dismantler and bolting it straight on.

Just make sure you get some sort of warranty in case you buy a carb with a problem.

Or ask your mechanic to cost up procuring a second-hand unit and the cost to fit.

It will not be as straight forward a job as it sounds to fit yourself and to fine-tune.