Disconnected cruise control

The cruise control rod connecting to the throttle linkage has been unhooked and the linkage has been stuck under the throttle linkages to get it out of the way. I hooked it back up this PM and nothing happened (the cruise still doesn't work..'83 300 DT) What problems could I run into if I leave it connected? The previous owner did not respond to my question about why it was unhooked. He probably doesn't know. Thinking about getting into the actuator to look for loose wires. Can you buy a used/rebuilt actuator and what do they cost? Also many thanks to those that posted the cigarette butt fix for the tachometer...Works like a charm now(I used a small piece of styrofoam). Joe