Yesterday, my '81 300TD started accelerating very lethargically. It would eventually get up to speed, but it was much slower than usual.

Today, it simply was not going to get above idle, period. I found that when the throttle pedal was pushed, the firewall side of the regulating lever with damper (in the top center of the photo, just to the right of the little inline filter) turned, but the the engine side didn't. It looks like the damper is shot. It is very soft and has many cracks. If I pulled on the linkage I tied the rear red rope to, it would move the linkage and the regulating shaft moved, sometimes. The front red rope was to operate the throttle to get us home. In addition to the regulating lever damper seeming to be worn, the linkage is very stiff.

Questions: Is the damper shot and in need of replacement or is it supposed to be that soft?
Or, is it just stiff linkage in need of lubrication?
Or, both?



Thanks.

Mike
Tucson AZ