Does anyone make a metal diesel idle control knob?
 

The diesel idle control knob on my 83 240 is finally starting to fail. This is the rubber knob with Mickey Mouse ears that you turn to increase idle for cold starts.

Pelican doesn't sell those so I found the OEM somewhere else, but also in rubber.

Has anyone ever seen a metal one?

I get tired of changing parts like this when sterner designs would make them last longer.

Rant over, still looking for another knob out of metal.

Please PM me if you have one to sell or have a source.

Thanks!

I did a google search and saw several metal knobs that could work, but I don't know how the original attaches to the cable.

Here's one of the nicer ones. :)
K-Gor-OB - Gorilla Knob Oiled Bronze finish

I have always thought that a standard pull choke cable would be a better system than a knob that turned.

BTW this is not the gorilla knob, this is the idle control knob. The gorilla knob is used to start the 180Dc, the 190D, 200D and 220D.

No bites yet.

Guess I have to get on the lathe and make my own.

Maybe I should sell them afterwards....

Best to depress the fuel pedal when adjusting this knob. Takes the load off of it I think. Or at least reduces it somewhat. Most the originals have gone the distance.

I bet I could make a kick ass wood one. But the square hole in the bottom might be tough. Maybe a set screw would work though. I'll have to think on it a spell.:D

I would buy one!

BTW i rebuilt my idle control cable with 1/16 cable and crimps from SLowes.

before the original cable broke off to short to use and it was all '78 original the knob was difficult to turn. definitely had to press the pedal then turn the knob to get the desired effect. When i rebuilt the "mechanical" end of the cable i packed it with fresh lithium grease. Now it turns much much easier and smoother than before. Still have to depress the pedal then make the adjustment... That's probably the way it was meant to be operated.

Would you settle for a free salvage yard replacement cable?