i've been working on lubricating and removing slack in my 617's throttle linkage. it doesn't always return to idle when i expect it to. the "return spring" (in FSM 30-300), which encourages the linkage to come back to idle, seems soft to the touch and i wonder if i need to replace it. anyone got a part number, source for it, or hardware store equivalent?

edit: there is another spring with a similar role between the horizontal throttle bar and a protrusion from the firewall with two holes in it. the indie shop had attached it to the closer of the two holes, leaving too much slack. i moved it over and the situation is improved, but i wonder if i shouldn't replace both springs in any case.

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'77 240D, 504H, OM617.952, etc.

I removed both from mine (see my build thread - didn't need them). The one closest to the radiator was REALLY soft and I guess that's the way they come. The rear one (toward the firewall) was a bit stiffer but still not TOO stiff. Evidently M-B didn't think it takes much to move the linkage. I'd be sure all the balls and sockets are clean and LIGHTLY lubed - you don't want them to hold crud in there.

Dan

thanks dan. i understand about the ball joints. 30-300 never says whether or what kind of lubricant to use and i have read mixed messages about that on the board (oil, no oil, graphite powder, ATF, etc.). since i have a manual transmission (i.e. the IP is the only consumer of throttle information) i think the linkage may be susceptible to some simplification as well.

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'77 240D, 504H, OM617.952, etc.

I replaced mine with just a generic throttle spring from like a four barrel carbetator years ago and have been fine. They are available at any auto parts mart.

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Current fleet
2006 E320 CDI
1992 300D - 5speed manual swapped

former members
1984 300D "Blues Mobile"

1978 300CD "El Toro"

I lubed mine with copper-based anti-seize and it seems to work fine. My guess is that any durable lube would do the job as long as it doesn't attract crud - more a matter of using it sparingly. Lithium grease is an old-time favorite on these.

Dan

The Linkage Balls and sockets can rust. Graphite by itself will not stop Rust.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel