Choke rod
 

The choke rod through the grommet on the dash is so tight that the return
spring can barely pull the choke rod back. Any suggestions? Thanks.

Re: Choke rod
 

Shoot the rubber grommet with silicone spray lube or WD40. If that doesn't help, replace it.

Re: Choke rod
 

Rubber can be machined (drilled or reamed) when frozen in liquid nitrogen. Maybe dry ice would work.

Re: Choke rod
 

Check to see if there's corrosion on the rod where it slides through the grommet.

Re: Choke rod
 

Open the hole in the grommet with a sharp drill or a rat tail file.

Re: Choke rod
 

Ream it carefully. These cars shake and a snug fit helps hold the needle setting.

Re: Choke rod
 

Reproductions are of a softer type rubber compared to the original grommets.

Re: Choke rod
 

make sure the rod itself is straight and true. Also confirm the arm linkage on the carburetor is not gummied up either.

Re: Choke rod
 

Polish the rod where it goes through the rubber with 0000 steel wool. A little wax helps afterwards.
Last resort, drill the rubber out a little. Lately I've found the replacement grommets to be too tight.

Re: Choke rod
 

Thanks to all who responded to my question. The replacement grommets are way too tight to allow the rod to return to closed position. Problem solved.

Re: Choke rod
 

Have you looked at your motor mounts?
A bad/broken/cracked/bent motor mount will do it.