Throttle return spring

[91420L]

Is there any spring which does same job as throttle return spring on '73 914 2.0L EFI?
I know that part is not too expensive. I just wonder if I can find them easier at any auto parts stores.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Uhhh.... Perhaps a throttle return spring for a 2.0 liter 914?

I think I don't understand your question. Are you looking for a cheaper alternative to stock? I'd bet that Pelican carries the stock part.

BTW, the early 73 2.0 cars only had one throttle return spring. It hooked from the throttle bellcrank to the throttle cable bracket. From mid-73 onwards, the throttle was different. Instead of a simple two-ended bellcrank, it had one fixed and one movable bellcrank on the throttle shaft. There was a spring coiled around the shaft that worked against the two, and would push the throttle closed if the other return spring (same type as early-73) broke.

--DD

[odie]

many auto parts stores and hardware stores carry various springs. You'll just have to beat your feet looking for a compatible spring.

remember, just cause a spring is the same length, doesn't mean it's...springyness???...is the same as the stock part.

I can't inagine the stock one being any more than a couple of bucks anyway. Plus, if you bend a generic spring to fit, it will probably weaken it and cause it to break at a bad time.

[91420L]

Thank you for your advise.
Yes, my question was is there a cheaper alternative to stock.

I think I should have new stock spring. Sorry for this kind of post since I am new in 914 world.

[Brad Roberts]

HUm.. I would like to dig a little deaper here:

Is your spring missing ??

Or is the real problem: the throttle is sticking ??

Your said you where new to the 914 world.. so I decided to look past the fact that you asked about the spring.

When the throttle cable starts to go bad... it gets difficult to push donw on the gas pedal or it's harder for it to return.

The other possibilty could be that the throttle arm bushings are toast in the pedal assembly ??

B

[korijo]

I had/have the same problem. My pedal wasn't returning to original position. Checked the spring, fine. Having my cluster rebuilt soon.
With new cables, brass bushing kit (from PP) should be like new.

Korijo
PS while your down there, check your master cylinder, too!

[91420L]

My pedal and throttle body looks quite tight and good.
I suspected the spring might be loose or weak because acceleration is not smooth when throttle is little open in first gear. It feels like the throttle is still little open for few seconds even I let go the pedal.
Changing the throttle cable sounds like big project tome... My clutch pedal sounds squeeze noise when pressed down too. Any thought on this? May be cable as well...

[Brad Roberts]

Um.. 914's have what we call a decel valve. This keeps the engine from coming back to idle to quickly and possibly killing the engine while pulling up to a stop light. Yours may or may not be hooked up. I disconnect them from our 4cyl race cars.

The throttle body may be sticking a little also.

Changing cables is pretty easy (I did a six minute clutch cable change at the track right before going on grid...)

Your in SoCal ?? I can have 3 people show up to help you or do it for you while you watch and learn (when the time comes)

B

[91420L]

The symptom which does not allow smooth run in low speed, I also suspect throttle switch adjustment I did may not be correctlly done. I followed the procedure I found on the internet site wrote by... I do not remmember. I think I should do over again.

A decel valve is hooked up but not sure it is working all the time. I know it is working some time but some time not. There seems like there is a adjustment(?) bolt thing but I do not know how to touch and how it works.

The car runs quite good otherwise. Especially once it warmed up it runs without problem.
I have not checked both clutch and throttle cable since I bought the car. The squeezy noise from clutch pedal prevents me to take the car for long drive which is shame. Well.. I took long drive to Vegas once when I was fearless without knowledge at all.

Yes I live in LA downtown! I want meet 914 people to learn more! I thorght I am not hardcore enough to take part of 914ers.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

A squeak from the clutch pedal means that your plastic bushings in the pedal cluster have swollen. This is usually due to leaking brake fluid.

Sounds like you might need to rebuild the pedal cluster. Check the driver's floorboard area for rust, as well, since leaking brake fluid will eat your paint after a little while.

I don't think the throttle return spring is the cause of your problem. You can take a look, though: Grab the throttle bellcrank (the lever on the throttle itself) and turn it to open the throttle. Then let go. If it doesn't simply snap closed, then you may have a problem with the return spring. If to does snap closed, you do not have a problem with it.

Usually, the springs are fine until they break.

--DD

[Will98D]

As others have noted, sounds like his decel valve. BTW, I think the decel valve is also an emissions device, intended to introduce a charge of air to compensate for the momentarily rich mixture when the throttle snaps shut. If your car has to pass a smog test you'll probably need to have it working.

[91420L]

My car is '73 so no need to take smog test any more. Once the motor is warmed up the decel valve always works. It may related to internal pressure in engine(?).

I think I will take floorboard off and check if there is any rust due to brake fluid leaks or leaked.
I will report back to post the result.