Linkage Question
 

I though I was done with the epic motor and transmission swap from hell today, but it is not to be. While on a test drive, the throttle linkage popped off, leaving me with no throttle with which to drive. Good thing I was in a parking lot! Not a difficult fix of course, but the rod wants to jump out of the bushing on the firewall.

My questions are as follows:

Does the connecting rod in the photos seem badly bent?

Is there some piece of hardware which I am missing which holds the linkage with rearward pressure into the foot feed bushing?

Any brilliant ideas? I'd sure love to hear 'em.

RSCarey

You need to replace the part that attaches to the firewall. There is a nylon bushing inside which disintegrates after about 20 years. It is apparent in the first photo that the horizontal rod has moved too far forward, so that the linkages on the valve cover are overlapping. The two linkages just behind the STOP lever should be nearly an inch apart. The rod does not appear bent. It's just sagging at the firewall joint because the bushing has failed.

Here is what you need:
http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com/mercedesshop/sophio/quote.jsp?clientid=catalog.mercedesshop&cookieid=1PY1E2LZD1SQ016Z8T&baseurl=http://catalog.peachparts.com/&partner=mercedesshop&year=1982&product=C7030-16051&application=000012097

Someone else reported the same problem yesterday. Since you have already suffered through a throttle failure, you might not be so inclined to try the bondo technique!!!
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=152540

My local dealership asked $45 for the same item. Check your dealership, it should be similarly priced.

Lube it with white lithium grease and while you're at it, the throttle linkages and accelerator pedal as well. Did wonders to a sticking linkage.

Thanks!
 

I appreciate the help, but have one more question to ask:

Where can I look up the original linkage measurements to make sure that they are correct after I install the new bushing?

RSCarey

The white bushing in the middle should be bonded to a roundish plastic piece that is hidden behind the metal flange that is bolted to the firewall. As these mounts age, the plastic disintegrates and the rod, with that white bushing, separate from it. (The stuff behind there looks like 20 year old snot, IMO) The textbook answer is to buy a new one and wait for it to happen again. I have used fiberglass reinforced bondo to replace the almost golfball sized piece. I have also been taken to task for this seemingly temporary repair- but it has seemed to work for 2 years. There are probably better ways to repair it than what I did. Use your ingenuity, if you wish.

Bah, use your money.
You'll love the improvement.

Bushing ordered...
 

Will update you all when I get 'er installed.

RSCarey

Bushing Installed
 

Phil is fast!

I ordered the bushing Monday night, got it and installed this afternoon. Piece of cake.

It might be my imagination, but I swear the Rattlemobile has more power now.

Thanks for your help in diagnosing this problem.

RSCarey