Throttle sticking....? ? ?

[D. Stump, Hanalei]

The engine is a Universal 18, 14 hp diesel. Sometimes the throttle will stick. The cable and lever arm are NOT binding. It appears to be something where the throttle shaft enters the top of the engine. When it locks up, I can free it by moving the bell crank by hand on top of the engine with a little force, but it is deffinately locking up in there.

Anyone have a clew as to what is wrong? The engine is NOT over heating! Any help would be appreciated...

Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
s/v Hanalei

[Leo MacDonald]

The engine is a Universal 18, 14 hp diesel. Sometimes the throttle will stick. The cable and lever arm are NOT binding. It appears to be something where the throttle shaft enters the top of the engine. When it locks up, I can free it by moving the bell crank by hand on top of the engine with a little force, but it is deffinately locking up in there.

Anyone have a clew as to what is wrong? The engine is NOT over heating! Any help would be appreciated...

Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
s/v Hanalei

My friend and Capt. Commanding Dave,

I read this and an immediate vision came forth - you're using the arm with the HOOK !!! )

Fair Winds,
Leo
Heather Ann, CD30K
CDSOA #1 (Spinnaker Class)



macdore@aol.com

[Dennis P. Robinett]

Dave, I give you this answer with some trepidation, but I have read that the fuel control throttle body on the diesel does wear out after a period of time like so much other stuff. I am not sure what it takes to replace this unit and I am reasonably sure its not cheap, but you might get to Westerbeke who owns the replacement parts for these Universal engines and find out. I owned a Cape 30 for 15 years and never experienced anything like that however with the Universal powerplant.

Dennis Robinett
S/V Nepenthe CD36



CDSailor@aol.com