Ward/AmTran Throttle Linkage HELP/Parts NEEDED!

[EastCoastCB]

As the title says- I'm needing some help, folks.
My throttle linkage is super sticky. When you push the pedal down it stays wherever you push it to. I've tried disconnecting the various segments of it and I think I have it narrowed down, but I'm totally not 100% sure. It seems like its the lower linkage by the injection pump. IF I spray it with lube it loosens up and the sicking goes away about 80-90%. But after sitting a day or more it starts getting sticky again.
I've tried a few parts suppliers like Midwest Bus Parts and no one has any parts of the throttle linkage for this bus OR an Amtran. My bus is a 1992 Ward Senator.
Anyone here got any experience with reworking linkages on this kind of stuff or have any parts sources I should try?
This has to be fixed asap.
Thanks for any help!

[Robin97396]

That does sound dangerous. My only throttle linkage experience extends strictly to carbureted engines. Something has got to be rubbing or possibly a spring missing? Did that just randomly seem to start out of the blue?

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by Robin97396

That does sound dangerous. My only throttle linkage experience extends strictly to carbureted engines. Something has got to be rubbing or possibly a spring missing? Did that just randomly seem to start out of the blue?

well the linkage has always felt a bit stiff but the actual sticking started about a month or two ago. If I blast it with lube It will go away for a bit, but not totally.
This linkage goes over from the pedal and straight back, then down, then forward in a sort of "c" of sorts. Two cables and a few intimidating looking pivot area things... ugh
It looks like there's sufficient room to get at the stuff, but I'm a bit hesitant.
I'm going to pull out my manuals and look through them.

I may see if the local diesel shop will look into it but I'd like to at least give it my best before paying someone to do it. Plus I'd have to drive it 3 or 4 miles. Not too bad, but I'd rather not if I can avoid it.

[cadillackid]

its not something where the return springs are just getting old and weak? where a newer maybe strong set of springs is all it needs?

im assuming when you are testing you have the pedal cable disconnected?
-Christopher

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by cadillackid

its not something where the return springs are just getting old and weak? where a newer maybe strong set of springs is all it needs?

im assuming when you are testing you have the pedal cable disconnected?
-Christopher

All the springs seem pretty good. The pedal cable disconnected. Then the rod that runs from the first part of the linkage to the second.

[cadillackid]

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

All the springs seem pretty good. The pedal cable disconnected. Then the rod that runs from the first part of the linkage to the second.

I know I read something recently that if anyione has ever turned up the fuel screw or its worked loose on a DT 360/466 mechanical then it can begin to interfere with the throttle linkage.. might be worth popping the inspection cover off and making sure the fuel screw is not hanging it up
-Christopher

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by cadillackid

I know I read something recently that if anyione has ever turned up the fuel screw or its worked loose on a DT 360/466 mechanical then it can begin to interfere with the throttle linkage.. might be worth popping the inspection cover off and making sure the fuel screw is not hanging it up
-Christopher

Its definitely not been messed with, but I think there's something to that suggestion, Chris.
The sticking is definitely coming from the governor/pump part of the linkage. Or at least that general area.