1. Flooded Engine: The choke restricts airflow to the engine, which is necessary for proper combustion. With the choke on, the engine receives a richer fuel-air mixture than required for normal operation. This can cause the engine to flood, resulting in difficult starting or even engine damage if left in this condition for too long.
2. Carbon Buildup: Running with the choke on creates an incomplete combustion process. The unburned fuel and excess carbon particles produced during this process can accumulate on the spark plug, cylinder head, and piston rings, leading to poor engine performance, reduced power, and eventually engine damage if not properly cleaned.
3. Oil Dilution: Gasoline that is not properly burned due to the choke restriction can seep into the oil crankcase. This dilutes the oil's lubricating properties and reduces its effectiveness in protecting engine components, potentially causing premature engine wear and increased risk of failure.
4. Overheating: The rich fuel-air mixture caused by the choke can result in excessive heat buildup in the engine. Prolonged operation in this condition can strain the cooling system and lead to overheating, damaging engine components such as pistons and cylinder heads.
5. Cylinder Wash: The excessive fuel introduced with the choke on can wash away the oil film on cylinder walls, compromising lubrication and leading to increased friction and wear on the piston rings and cylinder walls. This can result in reduced engine compression and loss of power.
Therefore, it is important to use the choke only when necessary, such as during a cold engine start, and to disengage it as soon as the engine starts smoothly. Running a lawnmower with the choke on should be avoided during normal operation to prevent potential engine damage and maintain optimal performance.
