[C320-list] Stuck/Sticky Throttle Problem

[jim brown]

Jeff, 
Had this exact same problem last year. Fix the same-lots of Boshield while moving the lever by hand. Mine was from when I drained the antifreeze and replaced it without being too careful about a few drops here and there. I think if just a little water gets on the throttle shaft it works it's way into the block. I now lubricate the mechanism at least at the beginning and end of the season. I have been told never to try to remove the shaft to lubricate it by a competent diesel mechanic-I didn't ask why. 

Jim Brown





________________________________
 From: Jeff Hare <catalina at thehares.com>
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com 
Sent: Monday, October 22, 2012 2:34 PM
Subject: [C320-list] Stuck/Sticky Throttle Problem
 
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