Shankel Sure Start Available Again

montelatici · #1 (**permalink**) 02-18-2004, 06:12 PM

Alfa Ricambi sent me a Shankel Sure Start (last one from their recent production run). They are starting a new run as the demand is apparently high. While my weak thermostatic actuator is working for now, the ability to manualy optimize the mixture on the fly with this device is intriguing. I think I paid 40 dollars for it.

spider76 · #2 (**permalink**) 03-26-2004, 06:09 PM

OK, just what is this and how does one adjust it manually on the fly? It sounds like it is some kind of choke cable deluxe. Anyone?

montelatici · #3 (**permalink**) 03-26-2004, 06:45 PM

The T/A was designed by SPICA to adhere to US EPA emissions rules. These rules required that an automobile had to go through a cold start, run cycle that met certain emissions requirements, without driver intervention.. The T/A was designed to meet these standards through its gradual leaning of the mixture based on engine coolant temperature. The T/A tends to weaken after time, i.e. it does not extend enough and then does not lean the mixture sufficiently. The Sure Start allows one to lean (or richen) the mixture manually, like a traditional choke. In effect, the Sure Start works like the manual choke on the European carbuerated versions of the car.

**papajam** · #4 (**permalink**) 03-26-2004, 06:50 PM

That's just what the Sure Start is, Ron; a choke cable delux. It mounts onto the SPICA pump in place of the thermostatic acuator and is controlled via a cable by the driver. I believe that they came about in the early SPICA days because of the cost and spotty availability of a real T/A.