Throttle knob on the dash...what's it do?

[Dan Babb]

What does the throttle knob on the dask do? I looked in the user manual that's available on the site, but I couldn't figure out what it's for or how to use it.

[Jerry Roberts]

The throttle knob is connected to the throttle linkage and when you pull out the knob it holds the throttle part way open . This is very handy when starting a cold engine . As the engine warms up you push the knob back in . The knob will pull out easily if you depress the gas pedal a little . A hand throttle works best if it has a little resistance in it to keep it from slipping back in once pulled out .

[John-T-53]

I've always wanted my hand throttle to work, but thanks to the essential linkage parts supplied from member Mr. Parkhurst, it now will...I just have to install them and hook it up. The hand throttle also helps when stopped on an uphill slope. With both feet planted on the brake and accelerator, it keeps the throttle open so when you let out the clutch, the truck moves forward, instead of stalling (and rolling back into the car behind you). If you plan on driving your trucks in San Francisco, this is crutial.

[TodFitch]

From the 1941 edition of a driver's education book I picked a while back:

Hand Throttle

This is an auxiliary accelerator which is generally located on the dashboard and is operated by hand. It functions exactly as does the foot-throttle, except that in some cases it remains exactly as set by hand, and does not return to idling position when the hand is removed. Its chief purpose is to provide a means of regulating the gasoline flow to the engine at time when the right foot, which normally operates the foot accelerator, is otherwise engaged. This sometimes happens when starting on hills, the right foot being employed with the brake.

I use mine when my right foot is on the starter pedal and to advance the idle some before the engine is fully warmed up.

By the way, the level of English assumed for high school students in that book is higher than what I've seen in some recent college text books.

[grey beard]

Sorry Guys, you're all wrong.

That little button on your dash marked "THROTTLE" is Amish cruise control.

[Dan Babb]

Thanks...this was a huge help.

I can see how it will be a big help when starting the engine cold. Won't have to mess around with the gas pedal and have the engine die because I pushed too hard and flooded the engine.

[Young Ed]

Sorry Guys, you're all wrong.

That little button on your dash marked "THROTTLE" is Amish cruise control.

Dave on long trips I've used mine as just that. Pull the throttle move the right foot/leg around a bit to give it a break and then put it back on the pedal and push the cable back in.

[greg g]

Well I cut a piece of aluminum tubing, with a length wise slot, the I would slip over mine after it was pulled out. Kept me at about 60 o the level, was probably a very poor idea in hindsight. (read young and foolish).

[KJ's Dodge]

On the bigger heavy tonage trucks, that trottle cable is useful to run the PTO when a higher than idle is necessary. The engine can be set at a steady RPM that can optimize the workings of the PTO, hoist, etc.

KJ

[Don Coatney]

On the bigger heavy tonage trucks' date=' that trottle cable is useful to run the PTO when a higher than idle is necessary. The engine can be set at a steady RPM that can optimize the workings of the PTO, hoist, etc.

KJ[/quote']

A lot of the trucks with a PTO use a govener to maintain engine speed depending on the load. A throttle cable will not adjust engine speed for the load.

[MBF]

Come on guys-you mean to tell me none of you are old enough to remember how to kick the starter and work the gas pedal at the same time with one foot? Its the PH two-step. 1950's Multi-tasking. The hand throttle is to hang a key ring on.

On my big Ford-the original driver said he used to get on the NY Thruway, pull the hand throttle out and let is scream all the way to Syracuse and back-nice-real nice.

[grey beard]

Yeah, Ed. And REAL men pull the hand throttle out and then bend it down, so they won't be tempted to chicken out on those long down-hill grades . . . . . .

[Dan Babb]

So...I was checking out some things on the truck and I looked under the dash. The throttle cable is cut about a 6" behind the dash.

So I guess on my truck, it's just for looks for now.

What does the linkage look like at the carb if I want to get a cable and connect it?

[Reg Evans]

Go here and scroll down. You can find all this info if you click on Visit DPETCA at the top of the page and then click on Pilot's Knowledge.

http://dodgepilothouseclub.org/know/ph_parts/b_14.pdf

[TodFitch]

That linkage setup on the manifold looks identical to the one on my 1933 Plymouth. Wonder why the kept it for 20 years on the truck but changed it on the passenger cars after only a couple of years.