300TD non-turbo linkage
 

Why is there sliding play built in to one of the throttle linkage rods on top of the engine? Effectively, this causes my foot to push the accelerator down a bit before the rod to the IP moves. Why is this good? Or...am I set up wrong?

Thanks in advance,
KenB
1980 300TD

Its there for the transmission. Without that piece transmission shift timing would not be right.

Yup, The 'free-play' allows sufficient movement for the vac. micro-switch on the cam-box to change state telling the trans that throttle is opening....:)

oh, i LOVE those responses!

i thought that's what the answer would be but really wasn't sure.

now that i am shifting my own gears, i was messing around with that thing trying to rig it to have no play and snapped it in half!

So, for now I threaded up some rod stock, cut it to about the right length, installed it and everything seemed just fine, even a tad more responsive on the throttle. Now I know why. Hooray for breaking stuff I didn't need! Woo hoo!

Thanks,
KenB