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Topic: Throttle cable removal [Bendix Cruise Control] (Read 1272 times) previous topic - next topic

Throttle cable removal [Bendix Cruise Control]

I'm trying to remove my throttle cable from the air solenoid, I've removed the locking nut, but I'm a little uncertain how the cable releases from the air solenoid, any tips and ideas are appreciated!
Michael & Roxene, Aussie the wonder dog & his daughter Luna the lunatic.
1993 Grand Villa Unihome 280 build #4203
36' 8.3 Cummins 300 hp- 2001 Chevrolet Tracker toad

Re: Throttle cable removal

Reply #1 –
Michael,

I've had my throttle cable off, but it's been many years, so I don't remember if there was any tricks to it.  I will attach two documents below that have good info on the Bendix cruise control system.  If you look at the diagrams of the air cylinder and the throttle cable end in both documents, I think you will see how it works.

The polished rod showing in your photos has a (male) threaded end.  The cable end that attaches to the cylinder has a female threaded nut swaged onto the end of the inside wire.  I think I remember disconnecting the whole cable assembly at both ends, and then the outer cable sheath can be retracted away from the cylinder, exposing the nut on the end of the polished rod.  Look at the photos in the documents and I think you'll figure it out.

Be careful when trying to remove the threaded cable end from the polished rod.  Hold the rod carefully.  I think I used Vise-Grip pliers with rubber pads on the jaws. You don't want to scratch the polished surface and cause a leak from the air cylinder.

1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Throttle cable removal

Reply #2 –
Thanks Chuck, I did manage to get it off and have sent it to CA to a company that makes custom cables that someone in the forum used years ago. I read your thread about rebuilding your throttle cable and considered that with mine, but I felt better about replacing it. I'll report back when I receive the new cable. I know this cable has been an issue for some members and I'm hopeful this will be another checkmark of repairs/replacements of the GV. It's been almost 5 years of Foretravel ownership and I've certainly learned a lot, especially from you and others in the group. I just retired so more trips are in the plan and hopefully we can keep the wheels rolling. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge here and would love to meet in person some day.
Michael & Roxene, Aussie the wonder dog & his daughter Luna the lunatic.
1993 Grand Villa Unihome 280 build #4203
36' 8.3 Cummins 300 hp- 2001 Chevrolet Tracker toad

Re: Throttle cable removal

Reply #3 –
Quote from: mikerox –
I just retired...
I'll report back when I receive the new cable.
Welcome to the ranks of the unemployed.    :thumbsup:    Definitely remember to report back.

It would be great to have a source for new throttle cables (Bendix Cruise & Air Throttle).
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Throttle cable removal

Reply #4 –
Just wanted to give an update on my new throttle cable- I sent the old one off to California Push Pull Inc. a company I found on this forum. The whole sending/receiving process took about 10 days and cost me about 190 which includes my shipping it to them. It looks well made and went on without any problems. I have yet to test drive it, but the response from the pedal does seem better. I'll report back after I drive it. For those needing a new cable- mine is the Bendix air throttle- I would recommend this company, they had good reviews and the thread that I discovered it also had high praise. I can't find the thread, but I do remember the price was about 100 dollars, but I do believe it was an old thread. At least I don't think I'll be stranded with a broken throttle cable- I attached pictures - 1 picture is the old cable
Michael & Roxene, Aussie the wonder dog & his daughter Luna the lunatic.
1993 Grand Villa Unihome 280 build #4203
36' 8.3 Cummins 300 hp- 2001 Chevrolet Tracker toad

Re: Throttle cable removal

Reply #5 –
Quote from: mikerox –
I sent the old one off to California Push Pull Inc... a company I found on this forum...I would recommend this company, they had good reviews and in the thread that I discovered it also had high praise. I can't find the thread...
Michael,

Thanx for the report on the reproduction cable.  Sounds like a great resource for us old coach owners (double entendre).

Here's a link to the old thread you found, from the Forum archives (includes the link to California Push Pull):

No throttle or cruise control 1993 u280 40 foot

Direct link to California Push Pull Inc.    California Push-Pull Inc. Cable Specialists Based in Chico, Ca.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Throttle cable removal

Reply #6 –
Quote from: mikerox –
I have yet to test drive it, but the response from the pedal does seem better.
One suggestion, before you go out for a test drive.  Make sure you verify that pushing the accelerator pedal down to full throttle does actually move the fuel lever on the engine all the way to the "full open" mechanical stop.

To check, with the engine off, and air system pressure at or near maximum (120-130 psi), have a helper depress the accelerator pedal to full throttle.  Back at the engine compartment, observe the movement of the fuel lever to verify it moves to full open position.  If it doesn't, you can adjust the cable to achieve the desired full lever movement.

If your coach responds to the new cable the way ours did when I rebuilt our original cable, you might pick up a few extra mph at the top end, plus a bit more acceleration coming off the line at full throttle.  :thumbsup:
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"
 

Re: Throttle cable removal [Bendix Cruise Control]

Reply #7 –
Drove the coach for the first time with the new throttle cable, went to N Alabama up through Chattanooga to visit family so we had some hills to climb- It was like driving a different coach, I had way more power and response from the pedal, I was able to pass trucks going uphill, never been able to do that. Thanks Red Tractor for encouraging me to get that done before I got stranded somewhere and also thanks for the advice removing it from the coach. Thanks Chuck for your help as well to test the play/resistance before driving it.
Michael & Roxene, Aussie the wonder dog & his daughter Luna the lunatic.
1993 Grand Villa Unihome 280 build #4203
36' 8.3 Cummins 300 hp- 2001 Chevrolet Tracker toad