Help with broken throttle cable to Holly Carb

[Luvcruzers]

Okay,

This is my first post for help, so please go easy. I have zero mechanical background so don't assume anything when it comes to what I might know or not know.

I'm running a 76 FJ40 with a 2F and Holly Carb installed by PO. The throttle cable snapped right at the carb where it attaches to the small cylinder.

Here is my question, I have been looking at Downey's web site and see they sell a replacement cable for the Holly and a kit that includes a cable and new pedal. Can you please tell me by looking at pictures whether I just need a new cable or the whole kit. I'm not sure whether the PO replaced the pedal and I can just install the new cable or if he did a jury rig.

Also, if you have any suggestions or input on how to install the cable through the firewall to the pedal I would greatly appreciate it. I did not see anything about this in the tech section.

Thank you.

 

[Poser]

Welcome.





That is some fine PO work there…that guy has mad skills.



To get you going, you could go to a hardware store and get a generic cable for a bicycle and slide the new cable through your old sleeve and pedal assembly and you will be back in business, provided there is a means to secure the cable to the throttle linkage at the carburetor.



However, you have a few things there that need attention.


I do not see a cable/sleeve support by the carburetor, which will only create the same issue you currently have at a later date if you do not get something to keep the end of the cable/sleeve assembly closest to the carburetor from flopping around.


I see that you are missing one bolt that holds the cable jacket mounted to the firewall behind the throttle pedal. Is the other bolt present?

As for that large spring for the throttle return, well, that needs some attention as well.

That vacuum fitting directly in front of the carburetor looks like the ends are pinched closed. Are the sealed/soldiered? If not, that is a source for vacuum leaks which will create many headaches when it comes to running/drivability.




It certianly would not hurt to give Jim at Downey a call in the morning and have him take a look at what you have going on here. I am sure that he has the pieces to get this cleaned up...


Where are you located?

 

[D'Animal]

X - 2 on just ordering the Downey Kit.

Please Read Posers post again.

For immediate patch repair. Take your cable to a motorcycle shop. Generally a HD shop that works on custom bikes. They can make cables with the button ends on them for you.

 

[Luvcruzers]

Welcome.





That is some fine PO work there…that guy has mad skills.



To get you going, you could go to a hardware store and get a generic cable for a bicycle and slide the new cable through your old sleeve and pedal assembly and you will be back in business, provided there is a means to secure the cable to the throttle linkage at the carburetor.



However, you have a few things there that need attention.


I do not see a cable/sleeve support by the carburetor, which will only create the same issue you currently have at a later date if you do not get something to keep the end of the cable/sleeve assembly closest to the carburetor from flopping around.


I see that you are missing one bolt that holds the cable jacket mounted to the firewall behind the throttle pedal. Is the other bolt present?

As for that large spring for the throttle return, well, that needs some attention as well.

That vacuum fitting directly in front of the carburetor looks like the ends are pinched closed. Are the sealed/soldiered? If not, that is a source for vacuum leaks which will create many headaches when it comes to running/drivability.




It certianly would not hurt to give Jim at Downey a call in the morning and have him take a look at what you have going on here. I am sure that he has the pieces to get this cleaned up...


Where are you located?

Poser,
Thank you for your quick and informative reply. I sent an email to Jim at Downey this morning with photos and will let you know how it works out. A couple of quick questions regarding your suggestions.

1. The cable/sleeve support you refer to. Are you talking about the plastic sleeve that surrounds the wire cable? If so, then it is there but it stops short about 2 inches before where the cable attaches to the carb. If you are referring to some type of support bracket, could you please clarify a little further?

2. Yes, there is one bolt holding the cable jacket. I need to purchase a second one, thank you.

3. I sent photo of throttle return spring to Jim, and hopefully he can hook me up with what I need here.

4. The vacuum fitting you are referring too, can you please explain some more what you are talking about? I don't know what this is or where it is located.

5. I am located in Monterey, CA. Fortunately for me, I'm in the military and am able to register vehicle out of state and avoid the CA emission laws.

Thanks again, for your help. This site is a great resource!

 

[Luvcruzers]

X - 2 on just ordering the Downey Kit.

Please Read Posers post again.

For immediate patch repair. Take your cable to a motorcycle shop. Generally a HD shop that works on custom bikes. They can make cables with the button ends on them for you.

D'Animal,

Great suggestion on the cable repair. If I can't work out a quick and affordable solution with Downey I may go that route.

I checked out your build, that is an awesome looking rig you are building!!

 

[Luvcruzers]

Quick update,

I took Poser's advice and talked to Jim at Downey this morning. Great service! He took the time to explain everything and could not have been more helpful. He has their Cable linkage kit in the mail and gave me some great advice on how I can clean up some other issues as budget permits.

In the short run, a quick stop to Ace hardware and I was able to get a new metal cable to run through existing sleeve. I'm now back up and running while I wait for the kit.


Thanks again!

 

[fj40alex]

I run this set-up on my '82. Once, the cable broke in the middle of nowhere. I tied a piece of string to the throttle, ran it out the hood vent on the driver side, held the other end in my left hand (hanging out the window). I was able to drive by using the improvised hand throttle. It actually worked very well. The hard part was shifting with my right hand and operating the throttle with my left hand.

In 15 years, I have snapped two cables. I now carry an extra set.

Anyway, buy an extra. When the "extra" breaks, then try the string method. Crude, but effective.

 

[Luvcruzers]

I imagine trying to drive with one hand holding a string to your carb would be pretty tough, I have enough trouble shifting and holding on to my coffee!

I was lucky, the cable broke while pulling out of my garage. I had just returned from a small train run the day before. I would have been screwed had it broken out there. When my kit comes in, I will definitely keep the wire as a back up in my tool kit, you never know when it might break again.