[C320-list] Stuck/Sticky Throttle Problem

[Jeff Hare]

Hello, 

I've recently had some issues with my throttle becoming very stiff to
operate.  I assumed it was the cable and took the compass off and ran a
little light oil down the cable to try to loosen it up.   That didn't seem
to work and I was afraid of damaging the lever arm.  So I disconnected the
cable from the throttle lever on the engine and discovered that the cable
was moving very easily and smoothly and in fact was not the problem at all.

What happened was my heat exchanger had developed a tiny leak (bad gasket)
and allowed it to drip occasionally which caused rust/corrosion to build up
where the throttle arm entered the engine.  With a wrench, I was able to
start moving the lever and gradually free it up.  Between some light oil and
some spray grease and cleaning away rust buildup, I was able to get it
moving smoothly again.  A project this spring is to replace that gasket and
ensure this doesn't happen again.

So, if you have trouble with the throttle being sticky, disconnect the cable
from the engine first and see whether it's the cable or the throttle itself
first.

-Jeff