Coldstart lever is non-operational

[coldstart]

This post is somewhat ironic given my username.

The coldstart lever, the small black lever between the seats, on my car stopped working about 2 months ago. It always worked well and is extremely useful for when the car is cold and to keep the engine revs up. I also used it sparingly as cruise control on the highway.

One day the coldstart lever worked, the next it did not. The lever pulls up but it does not affect the engine at all. I pulled the rubber boot but there was no obvious issue or solution.

Has anyone else had the same issue?

Does anyone have a schematic diagram for the coldstart system?

I have a 1972 911T targa with almost everything as original.

I appreciate any help!

[coldstart]

I guess what I call the cold start lever is also called a hand throttle. Our host sells a $15 replacement plastic lever which may be the source of my problem.

[dap930]

The cold start lever operate a cast plastic yoke that captures the throttle rod inside the tunnel and moves it slightly to increase engine RPM's. This plastic piece deteriorates with age and will fall to pieces. The P/N you need is 901.424.317.00. I replaced mine a few years ago, but I can not remember if I had to remove the shifter housing to get to it inside the tunnel.

[coldstart]

Perfect! Thank you for the insight. I will order the part from our host.

[tobluforu]

Before you order a new one, pull up emg. brake boot, look in the elongated hole where the throttle rod is and check the white plastic piece, sometimes its fine and all you need to do is adjust/tighten the clamp that the plastic piece pushes on. The clamp is donut shaped and is tightened with a mini screw driver. Good luck.

[Charles Freeborn]

If it's a '72 and original, it'll be disintegrated. Get all the broken bits out while you've got the parking brake assembly out. Also a good time to change throttle rod bushings, as well as check / lube heater cables.
It's a stinker to get to - pull out at least one of the seats, and have an assortment of flashlights. A small inspection mirror on a handle is also handy.

[75 911s]

You can read my post about replacing the "Value Lever" The small plastic piece under the hand throttle that has disintegrated.

This was my write-up btw

so Here's what worked for me:

1. Remove both seats
2. Remove carpet near the parking brake, it snaps off toward the back an peels toward the front
3. Remove the parking brake boot -it will slide up over the top - no need to remove knobs.
4. Remove the 3 housing bolts (13mm) for the parking brake assembly
5. Remove the parking brake cable retaining pin clip and retaining pin so that you can move the assembly far enough off the access hole for the tunnel. The two defrost cables will still be connected. I was unable to remove the hand levers or cables for the defrost.
6. Remove the 13mm bolt, washer, two friction washers and hand throttle handle from the bolt that runs through the housing.
7. Install new value lever, there should be a tiny washer and retaining clip that hold it on to the hand throttle.
8. Position the hand brake and housing near the e-brake cable and reinstall the pin and retaining clip for the parking brake. I used one of those long parts grabbers with the retractable claws.
9. Put a friction washer back on and loosely place the throttle arm back onto the bolt on the housing and align the value lever on the accelerator cable barrel nut by feel. place the other friction washer, the metal stopper washer and the smaller washer and nut back on for the throttle arm.
10. Test by watching the accelerator pedal - It should depress when moving the hand throttle.
11. Reinstall housing bolts, boot, carpet. Ensure parking brake, defrost levers and hand throttle operate.

Easy as 1, 2 4~!

[coldstart]

Thanks guys. Another winter project!

[Sunroof]

I replaced mine several years ago as the plastic"claw" will get brittle and will break. CAUTION: their is a small adjustment (tightening screw) on the claw that requires a small flathead screwdriver to tighten down on the cable. This is your only point of adjustment. If you loosen it too much you will have to use a magnet to fish it out!! So go slow and keep this in mind.

If you do a search their are several threads on replacing this claw (including mine).

"Life is better with the cold start throttle level working".

Bob
73.5T

[Neilnaz]

Good advice here. I recently had to adjust mine after it having been replaced nearly 4 years ago. I presumed the plastic piece had worn or broken but it was simply needing a slight bit of adjustment. It is tricky to get at and you are best following the advice and removing both seats and the handbrake assembly to enable you to peer in and establish whether it is replacement or adjustment for you.

Given working non-working within a day my bet is that it has broken so ordering a new part is probably a safe bet.

Best of luck, Neil

[cmcfaul]

very simple device. just clamps on to the throttle linkage (solid throttle cable in the tunnel). buy a new one and replace. Not expensive and very simple concept. Yours might just need tightening but once you get in there why not just replace.

Chris
73 E

[CBRacerX]

Best of luck, it is not too hard to fix.

And just in case anyone reading has a "cold start lever" (Hand Throttle) setup they would like to part with, I am seeking same - did a Carb Conversion on my 1980.