Thank God I didn't have my foot in it out on the road

[Mike E.]

Reproduction accelerator return spring on my 71 LS6. Fortunately, it was in the shop, so no damage to the motor, car, or me.
Nice, huh?
Accelerator return spring reproduction (1).jpgAccelerator return spring reproduction (2).jpgAccelerator return spring reproduction (3).jpg

[David M.]

Re: Thank God I didn't have my foot in it out on the road

That's why I always run a double spring even if its not correct. Easy fix before judging.
One guess on Country of Origin on that repro spring.

[Duke W.]

Re: Thank God I didn't have my foot in it out on the road

Always remember, at least on a vintage car that if the throttle ever sticks just turn the ignition switch one position counterclockwise. I recall from pilot training that the first thing on the emergency checklist is maintain aircraft control. The same can be said about driving, maintain vehicle control, but few get aviation quality training on driving a car.

Most racing organizations require at least two independent throttle return springs, so if one breaks...

I've never heard of an OE spring breaking, but with all the junk repro parts you never know.

You should report this along with the source of the part to NTSA. It should be easy to submit a report online.

Duke

[Justin S.]

Re: Thank God I didn't have my foot in it out on the road

Mike,
Would the throttle blades have remained open if you were driving it?

[Mark E.]

Re: Thank God I didn't have my foot in it out on the road

Mike,
Would the throttle blades have remained open if you were driving it?

Good point Justin. Holleys and Q-jets have springs on the primary and secondary throttle shafts that return the throttle to a closed position. Albeit with much less tension than provided by the throttle return spring.

It's still a good idea to run two springs. For Q-jets, try the coaxial springs found on 1974 or newer cars.

.

[Terry M.]

Re: Thank God I didn't have my foot in it out on the road

At the Frisco Regional just past a 1967 435hp car failed PV because the throttle hung up during the run to 90% of red line. I am not sure if the problem was the accelerator spring or a linkage maladjustment. Regardless, I have no doubt it was an exciting moment.

Let's be careful out there.