Strange problem

[Axle]

From what I recall, and this applies to the '83 specifically as thats what I've got, the choke wire goes to an oil pressure switch on the drives side of the block. If that switch goes open (oil pressure closes it. So no continuity through it with the engine off/no oil pressure), the light will come on. The light just tells you the choke is not receiving voltage, not how long it is in operation.

So you may have a bad switch, dirty connectors at that switch, or low oil pressure.

If you swap an engine and don't have provision for this additional oil switch you need to jumper that connector so you you have voltage getting to the choke heater. [choke light won't work anymore, and if you have the key on, your choke heater will be warming up, something to keep in mind if you tend to turn the key 'on' rather than 'accessory' for some reason]

Alex.