Throttle Restriction in idle

[braided line]

Hi

I have a 1978 Chrysler 105 hp engine.

On the actual engine, both the throttle mechanism and the gear selector mechanism have interlocking metal tabs that do not allow the throttle to open unless the gear box is in the forward gear.

I was thinking of cutting these tabs off so that the throttle can open at neutral.

The reasoning is that it would make it a bit easier to start when cold and allow the carbies to open to clear if inadvertantly flooded.

Does anyone know of some unintended consequences should I do this?

Thanks

Mick

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Throttle Restriction in idle

NO NO NO NO NO! Do not do that.

Those "tabs" are specifically designed to LIMIT RPM in neutral. If you remove them you will be able to start the engine with the carbs set open far enough to over-rev it.

ALL single handle control boxes have either a silver or chrome plated knob next to the control lever. Newer Force control boxes have a black rubber button in the center of the lever or the whole lever itself pulls out about 1/4 inch.

To start, you pull out the silver knob. This disables the shift mechanism. You then push the control handle as far forward as it will go. The two "tabs" have just enough gap between them to allow about 1500 RPM in neutral when you push the control lever into this fast idle position. It doesn't take a lot. Carbs will just crack open and timing will advance a couple of degrees. That's all you need in neutral. This assumes that the linkage is correctly synchronized. Get a Clymers manual and perform sync. if it appears incorrect.

Turn the key to start and push in to choke. Once the engine starts, let it warm up for a bit in this fast idle position. Pull the control handle back to upright and push in the button. the engine will now shift and accelerate normally.

The engine end of the throttle cable should have a spring loaded quick connect. It should be pulled out about 1/4 inch or so. This allows the shift to move before the throttle starts to advance. It also allows you to push the control lever forward a good bit in fast idle position.

Be absolutely certain that the distributor moves freely. If it is tight, it will bind the linkage at these two "tabs" as you try to shift. One reason the distributor is tight is excess tension on the drive belt. Proper tension is determined by pressing a .010 feeler gauge in the center of the belt like a finger. If the belt deflects 1/8 to 3/16 inch when the gauge bends, then tension is correct.