Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Throttle sticks in cold temperature

[steamer]

1995 2500, 4 x 4, 5 spd

The other day, after not haven driven the truck for a week, and we had the first morning in the low 20's, I started the engine with-out any problem, however, I could not press down on the throttle. I let it idle for a while, and tried the throttle again, but it was stuck. I pressed really hard, and I got myself a very cold engine with some very high RPM's! I quickly shut it down.

I waited till the next day, when the temp was about 40, and tried again. It started on the first try, AND, the throttle operated as it should. Drove the truck for a couple of days with-out any problems, then today, with the temp again in the low 20's, the throttle is stuck again.

I sprayed some WD-40 at the injection pump end of the cable without any effect. Where, or what else should I be looking at?

Tony

 

[surfbeetle]

Two things come to mind: did some moisture freeze up in the linkage and you just didn't warm it up enough or is there an issue with the throttle cable. There was a throttle cable recall back in 96 or 97. As for the linkage, you may need to disassemble lube properly.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Check the linkage for wear near the injection pump, lube the ball and socket joints. Make sure the return spring is present.

 

[steamer]

Surfbeetle,

Your sugestion that there might be moisture freezing, struck a bell. A few weeks, before any 20 degree temps, I had the brake fluid flushed. If brake fluid "spilled" during the flushing, could it have found it's way into or on the cable. Brake fluid loves water, so is it posible that it absorbed some moisture, which became ice when it got cold ? Far fetched?

Lately, there have not been any more 20 degree days, so I have not had any throttle issues. I'm waiting for the next cold snap.

Steamer

 

[steamer]

Joe,

I lubed the linkage at the injection pump, and the ball and sockets. The return spring must be OK, as the throttle works with-out any issues when it isn't around 20 degrees. It has been some time since the last 20 degree day, so I still do not know if the problem will return when that day arrives.

Steamer

 

[surfbeetle]

Surfbeetle,

Your sugestion that there might be moisture freezing, struck a bell. A few weeks, before any 20 degree temps, I had the brake fluid flushed. If brake fluid "spilled" during the flushing, could it have found it's way into or on the cable. Brake fluid loves water, so is it posible that it absorbed some moisture, which became ice when it got cold ? Far fetched?

Lately, there have not been any more 20 degree days, so I have not had any throttle issues. I'm waiting for the next cold snap.

Steamer

If you had a spill, then I suppose it's possible given the location of the master cylinder in relation to the linkage and cable. But if I'm not mistaken, the freezing point of brake fluid us much much colder than that of water and I would think that a water/brake fluid mixture would also freeze at a colder temp, but I have been wrong before. I think as Mr Donnelly has pointed out, you should clean and lube all of the linkage and if you still have issues, replace the cable if you think it's been contaminated. All of this is still cheaper/easier than the injection pump. If it's gets resolved from this, than fine, if not, you know you have eliminated all options and you are on to the pump next.
Good Luck!