Ok, here is a strange one to me. My 289 won't start if the electric choke is hooked up on my Holley. Just chranks and cranks. When I check spark with a screwdriver it looks weak.

If I unplug the choke she starts right up and I can even plug the choke back in after it has started.

I was thinking battery but if she starts without the choke it should be fine, right? I am not sure how to tell if the choke is shorted or not. It functions when hooked up. Also was thinking about the starter relay since the choke is hooked up to it, but I am not sure how to test that either. Other then that she runs great. No problems after it starts.

Your thoughts?