won't run without choke

[vpm]

my son has a 68 porsche 912 with a 1600 vw engine. the engine won't idle without the choke being at least 3/4 closed. thats right closed. it is an electric choke which i don't think is working, but unless it is manually closed the engine just sputters and dies. it also idles at about 120 to 1 600 rom. that depends on how much choke is used. if the choke is closed completely it dies also. we have put in new points and condenser, can't check the advance because it idles so fast. any ideas as to what the problem is??? the engine is from 71 or 72 according to the block number. doesn't make any difference hot or cold it does the same thing.

tia

[WFBowen]

Sounds to me like (hopefully) a vacuum leak. If it's a dual port motor, check the four hoses on the intake runners below the carb, then: carb base gasket; any vacuum hoses and their devices (egr valve, cold air bypass, distributor vacuum unit, etc) for leaks. You can carefully spray small amounts of carb cleaner in these areas with an idling motor to see if their leaking. If they are, you'll notice a quick change in rpm. Just make sure you spray a tiny amount directly on the area you're testing, using the little red plastic spray extension. Remember, you're dealing with a flamable spray. You might even have a clogged idle jet or a dirty/worn out carb (Pict 32?).
Hope this helps,
Bill.