The choke thermostat opens the choke when it is heated and allows the choke to close when it cools. If it wasn't working, the choke wouldn't open and you would have a different set of problems. Check the choke linkage on the carburetor and you will probably find that it hangs up occasionally because something is either interfering with it or it's tweaked or dirty. Roy 67 Crown FDHT In a message dated 3/28/2003 9:35:43 AM Pacific Standard Time, markblitman@xxxxxxxxxxxxx writes: << when i pump the pedal once and can hear the choke butterfly close, car usually starts first or second crank...when i do not hear the choke close it takes quite a few pumps and cranks to get her going...when car is warm no starting problems ever...would a new choke thermostat fix this or should i just live with it?...thanks! mark blitman '74 Imperial >>