Throttle return spring

larryeddington · Post by **larryeddington** » Wed Jul 06, 2011 6:15 pm

Neither of my 318 with Carter AFB has a return spring on the throttle. I realize that it is operated by cables. It seems a return spring capable of returning the engine to idle if throttle cable fell off would be a good safety idea.

Your thoughts?

Stripermann2 · Post by **Stripermann2** » Wed Jul 06, 2011 6:22 pm

My Quads on my Crusaders don't either. I can always just kill the engines.

I wish my steering system had a spring on it though...you know, if the hydraulics break, my rudders will automatically return to dead center.

Seriously though, how would you maintain a constant throttle setting using a return spring? Cables have enough resistance to do just that...

larryeddington · Post by **larryeddington** » Wed Jul 06, 2011 6:32 pm

The obvious is kill the engine. My though was avery light spring. I think cables have enough stiction to hold. If the cable came off while docking a lot could happen before ignition could be killed

Stripermann2 · Post by **Stripermann2** » Wed Jul 06, 2011 6:45 pm

Also, Larry...the shift cable breaking could make for a bad day too.

A lot of jet boats, etc with floor mounted gas pedals have a return spring, like a car.

larryeddington · Post by **larryeddington** » Wed Jul 06, 2011 9:29 pm

Yep both would be exciting.

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Wed Jul 06, 2011 10:50 pm

Larry, it takes very little spring tension to return the throttle, and with the right spring, you won't notice any change in the effort required to move the throttle levers at the helm. It's a safety feature IMO. A buddy of mine snapped his cable coming into a narrow channel and before he realized what was going on, he was on the wrong side of the markers and bang. Put them in if it puts you at ease. Can't hurt if done right.

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Wed Jul 06, 2011 10:54 pm

Most cards have light springs built in , no need to add any if the throttle wont return , fix the problem

larryeddington · Post by **larryeddington** » Thu Jul 07, 2011 9:25 am

My Carter AFBs do not have any return spring. I have seen carbs with coiled return springs but these do not and diagrams do not indicate one. In any case I am going to experiment with some light springs.