VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 What are these cables in the engine compartment?

Remove the cotter pin...Insert cable...Toss pin.

The link works for me as well.

The link works now.

Yeah I think I could squeeze it in or replace the pin with the cable, but I'll have to bend and wrap it around. I don't see much harm in that though. There shall be some pictures once I do all of this tomorrow :-)

Thought I'd take a second look at your first photo...How long has them cables just been hanging there...? Geez, it sure is nice when they work...! Take a look a Lonnie's Diagram...That's How it should look...Makes me wonder if you have enough decent cable to work with...You'll need that screw/cable/lock/stop part (121749) for the throttle cable, where the cotter pin once was...Try not to look at Tiny's photo, I'm not sure what that's all about... You can find that part at any auto parts store...

You want the throttle cable to slip through the hole in the rod if you decide to fit it there. Otherwise the throttle cable will inhibit the movement of the throttle linkage. Fitting a stop on the end of the cable wire will permit the the throttle arm to rotate independent of the cable but have the idle speed increased when the cable knob is pulled.

Buy a cable stop with slotted screw head to be correct. Chevs of 40s #3655561 or most parts houses.

If your throttle cable is too short, I'm sure that reproductions are available. My sources are mostly for trucks.

- Lonnie

Makes total sense that it needs to be able to move freely and not just wrap around it. I'll swing back over to the store today and grab a cable stop.

My cables a pretty long, I'll double check but I think length won't be an issue. Age might...

Alright I have been partially successful. First, my bracket is bent all out of shape. I bent it enough to have the choke cable working. I snaked the choke cable in there and I am able to fully open and close the choke but boy that cable is hard to move.

Q: Where can I get a replacement bracket that is new?

The other cable is froze up and I could not get it to budge. So for the throttle I just zip tied it out of the way.

Q: Where can I get replacements for both sides that will slide like butter?

Now that I have it on, exactly how does this help me with my sputtering and dying problem when I first start off, from a cold start?

I can partially or fully close the choke when I start the car but it already starts perfectly without this. Do I need to keep it partially or fully closed when first taking off and then open it back up?

Check out part # FS-310 in "The Filling Station". Or, you could spray WD-40 on the old cable to loosen it up. As for the bracket, Check Ebay for a Carter carborator that has the bracket on it. Maybe one of the guys here may have other suggestiions.

I have read that you can coil a frozen cable in a pan of thin oil like tranny fluid and get it hot on the stove. It's supposed to free up and lube the cable. I've never had to try that so I can't say if it works or not.

Check out Ebay Item # 280982280494 or 251159930548 these are old carbs that have the bracket you are looking for.. Good Luck!!!

I did it! I took both cables out, pulled them with pliers until I saw the cable. Hosed it with liquid wrench and pushed it back in. I also bent the bracket back into shape "sort of". I put it all back together and neither pulls easily but I can close the choke totally and I can rev the engine.

I probably should have soaked those cables overnight....but I didn't.

When you accomplich somthing you didnlt no you could dew it maks ya feel grate.

If you keep working the cables they will get better slowly. A little penetrating oil (not WD 40) [PB Blaster is best] along the cable will help free it up.

Looking Good...! Now you'll just have to play with that choke 'till you figure out what the engine wants...

BTW : As far as those cables go...It's my opinion that they are now as good as they'll get...without complete replacement.

Check out your owner's manual. It will give you tips on how to use the choke and the throttle on a cold start.

Did they have owners manual in 1940?

Yes, they had Owner's Manuals for every year. Contact the Filling Station and purchase a reprint for 1940. While you are at it get a 1940 Repair Manual as well.

www.fillingstation.com

Steve, now how in the world are we gonna get him to buy a manual, when your showing him where he can read it for free...! Gosh darn it anyway...! Before ya know it, he won't be asking us no more a dat easy stuff.
That reminds me...We haven't heard from Charlie in about a week...Hope he's okay...

What's the purpose of having the throttle knob when you have the gas pedal? My only guess is a 1940 version of cruise control.

There are several uses actually...But my favorite use was on an old "orchard" truck, Put 'er in granny gear with the throttle pulled part-way and let the truck drive itself between rows, while we tossed box's 'o fruit on to her flat bed...

In your case...Seriously now, once it's working you won't know how you got along with out it...

I use my throttle cable on cold start-ups. It lets the car warm up with out the accerator pedal being held down by your foot. You can set the rpms how ever high you want til the car idles by itself with out dying. Once you get used to it you will like it.

My second favorite use...!

Check the Owner's Manual for more information.