return spring on a throttle cable

[deo]

I just went through the process of ordering a throttle cable for my XJ because the PO said that it was broken. When I got into the job I discovered that it isn't but works smoothly and looks to be in good shape. What I did discover is that the throttle doesn't work, or won't return to its original starting place. It acts like there is supposed to be a spring on it or something. I looked through the book, looked at all of the FAQs and didn't see anything on something like that. Can someone tell me is there supposed to be a return spring? Or is there something else that controls the return to normal function of the throttle.

Please excuse the ignorance but I would rather ask than mess up my bike.

dave

[Ken Talbot]

The return spring is #39 in this view from the microfiche. It sits between carbs #2 and #3.

With the cable disconnected, try operating the throttle lever (#35) by hand to see where it is binding up.

[deo]

thanks

I guess after looking at the book and not knowing what I am looking at, it would appear that if it were a snake it would have bit me. Thanks.

I have the hardest time getting into it. It is in the hardest place on the carbs to work. It seems to be real stiff all the way around. I suppose that if I sprayed some degunker in there it might loosen it up but will it do any other damage. Collateral damage is the pits, both in working on bikes and in war.

I suppose that I should try to take the carbs off and start from ground zero, right?
dave

[Ken Talbot]

Re: thanks

Originally posted by deo
I suppose that I should try to take the carbs off and start from ground zero, right?
dave

Bingo! Give that man a ceeegar!

You will find it a whole lot easier to work on that way. Plus, as an added bonus (sort of like collateral damage, only different), you will learn how much fun it is to remove and reinstall the carbs with the stock airbox. Be sure to read the articles on that process before you get into it.

[deo]

yuk!

Ken,

I just took a look at the configuration for removing the box, ain't no way I am going to put it back. It is going to come off in pieces and then I am going to put cone air filters on the carburators. If I am going to do the carb thing then I might as well go all the way and do the switch over from the octopus to the newest rendition presented to us by Mike Hart.

I have never taken a carburator apart before and after looking at the book on jets I think that there is a shop not far from here that will do just fine.

Do you remember what the latest was on the size of jets needed with the 4 to 2 Macs? I need to replace my exhaust as well. I can replace the exhaust, I think.

This was supposed to be a cheap date and my wife is not seeing it that way any longer. May take longer than originally projected.

dave

[Ken Talbot]

There's an article on jetting recommendations by Denny Zander in the modifications section that should get you started, Dave. Then you'll want to do a thorough review of Mike Hart's epic thread just to be sure of what you're getting into.

Cheap date - just wait till SWMBO finds out you've got a thing for twins....

[deo]

Twins, eh?

Ken,
I looked over those articles and see that they basically agree on a number of the issues so that I can feel confident in doing what I projected. That is good. Now if I can just do what they recommend.
Speaking of twins, they run in our family, my mother was one twin in a family that had three sets of twins. Her mother had 12 kids. So if it has to be twins my wife just has to credit to heredity. Too bad for those guys that don't have such a way to pass the buck!!!

Next stop carburator land!

dave

[Red Baron]

Throttle return spring

your problem may be as simple as a sticking throttle cable. I found this problem just a few days ago, here is what i did to fix this. Disconnected cables at throttle and clutch, sprayed wd40 into the cables this loosened up any old grease and restored proper function. Left the WD40 in for a few days to clean out any old hard grease, etc. Had cables greased properly after this.
Hope this helps.

[deo]

red Baron,

The shop has the carburator and it wasn't a stuck cable but the linkage. Thanks for the thoughts.

deo