The issue with how it is right now, is that the choke is always on.
The reason you can't kick it down off the high idle cam is because that lever isn't getting lifted to let it happen. You need to either hook it up, or strap it in the OFF position all the way up. That will make it harder to start when cold, but will keep you from driving around with the choke on and on the fast idle cam.
With all due respect, I think you're mistaken, and it may be due to misinformation, or miscommunication by myself. For that, I apologize.
The choke is not on. It is not doing the high idle anymore because the linkage isn't being held (sometimes) by a mis-routed return spring. That issue is completely fixed.
The "kickdown" simply freed the spring from where it was catching. I could demonstrate this under the hood by manually moving the throttle bracket where the cable attaches. If I slowly moved the throttle up and then eased off, it stayed there. If I manipulated the linkage or cable or bracket in any way, it would go back to resting idle. If I raced the engine and let go as I did it, it went to its resting position without sticking. This was what the "kickdown" (stabbing the throttle one time) did.
I kept thinking this was the cable or linkage, so I replaced the cable and oiled the joints of the linkage. This helped, but only slightly.
I tell you how sensitive it was: sometimes, I could stick my foot under the edge of the pedal and lift it up, and just that tiny release of tension would be enough to let it go down. It didn't work every time.
The butterfly valve (choke) is in the up (open) position all the time. There is nothing to move it closed.
The truck behaved like a typical cold-natured carbureted vehicle when starting in the cold, but it wasn't bad. I would have to hold the throttle at a high RPM (1700-2000) for 20-30 seconds, then it was good to go. That's what I meant by "starting fine". It was about average for the carburetor vehicles I've had in the past. That's one of the many times I wish for EFI.
If need be, I can remove the air cleaner and take pictures. I may be mostly ignorant about carburetors, but I would know that if that butterfly valve was staying closed, that it would cause problems.
Again, I apologize, as I'm sure it was my miscommunication, my mistake in some fashion, was was at fault, here. I do appreciate your help, and everyone else's as well!
