Let's figure out this choke issue...

... on a Carter BBD. I've set all the carb adjustments as best I can, according to the rebuild kit instructions and the literature Dan provided in another thread. When warmed up, the engine idles nicely and runs great at low or high speed. It's just a booger to start cold. I fully believe it is the choke or choke pull off settings.

The choke mounted to the exhaust manifold pocket COMPLETELY closes the choke plate when on the high lobe of the fast idle cam. Should it do that, or should there be a slight opening for initial starting? I know that once the engine starts and creates vacuum, the choke pull off will open the choke plate to a gap distance I set with a gauge. I'm just wondering about the initial choke position.