Controlling Throttle Creep
By: Jim Hayward
Some folks have reported trouble with the throttle lever and cable creeping. Apparently engine/flight vibrations can cause the throttle to creep toward idle while in flight thus reducing the power setting. Many times it can even be seen while on the ground. It can be annoying to say the least, as you have to either hold your hand on the throttle all the time or adjust it from time to time in order to maintain your power setting. One solution is to replace the factory throttle quadrant with a better quality (and more expensive) quadrant than is provided. There are third party vendors who can provide you with different types and styles of throttle quadrants. |
Another solution is to obtain a small bungee cord, attach one end to some place forward of the throttle lever, wrap a turn or two around the throttle lever, and attach the remaining hook to the same place as the other hook. Experimentation is required to obtain the proper balance of forward tension on the lever (provided by the bungee cord) with the rearward tension provided by the carb springs. Placement of the bungee cord hooks may also determine the length and/or size of bungee cord to use. Still another solution is to remove the top cover of each carburetor and cut some turns off of the large slide return spring. Some set-ups only require the removal of two turns, some three turns, and still others have needed to remove four turns. If you decide to use this method, remove two turns for starters, try it out then remove another turn and try it again. The most you should have to remove is four turns. |
Remember, remove turns equally from each carburetor but one turn at a time, trying two turns for starters. Reassemble the carburetors, run the engine (or go fly) and check out the difference. If it's not quite enough and still creeps rearward, return and remove another turn, etc. You may combine turn removal with friction tightening to achieve your desired effect. The springs are more than adequate in their job so removal of a few turns should not be a problem. |