68 350 4bbl - original cable (AFAIK)

Any idea what the spring is for ?

It slides freely on the ferrule, but won't (easily) come off either end.
Looks as old as the rest of the cable assy.
There's nothing on the carb or bracket that would engage it.
I can't find any pic or reference to it here, the net, in the FSM or CSM.
All the other cables I've seen do not have this spring.
Seems like it would just rattle around doing nothing.



Any ideas or pics of a similar one ?

 

My opinion, added by a p.o. for unknown reason. Never seen a spring on any throttle cable.

 

I vaguely recall seeing a spring on some early cabled throttle mechanisms. I believe it is supposed to reside on the other side of the tubular end on which it is shown here. Between that tubular end and the carb end sheath anchor. I surmised from its position that it added some force to the action at WOT. Not sure WHY this was deemed a good idea.

 

I THINK the OE one on my 68 Hurst has that spring - I'll check tomorrow.

 

As Octania stated, it belongs on the other (cable) end of the linkage. I believe it aids to prevent crimping or sticking at WOT. I verified that it was there on my linkage.

 

It floats on the steel wire, and will compress between the sheath and the clip that goes into the carb bracket when you get to large throttle positions. Take a look at the third picture in this article of the carb, and you'll see the spring.

http://www.hemmings.com/mus/stories/...e1447217870031

It doesn't make a ton of sense to me either, but it is correct for at least '68.

 

I have also seen springs on '68 throttle cables...X2 on the spring not being on the tube, should be slid back onto the cable.

 

Thanks everyone for the info ! 83hurstguy, great pic.
Now the plot thickens....
While cleaning it, the black plastic 'rod' slid out of the ferrule.
I can't tell if it broke off the bracket retainer clip (there is some evidence of that) or is supposed to remain in the ferrule (like the Hemmings pic).
Seems like the rod should be part of the retainer clip to help keep the spring off the cable (like 1st pic).







Anyone have a pic of an unmolested '68 cable assembly ?

 

Nevermind.
Found this pic by Lady72nRob71


Seems to answer the question. 'Rod' should be part of clip.
Thanks again for all the info...

 

I went out and looked at both my cable assemblies. I have one from a parts car, and the likely original one that is still installed on my car. The loose one is in the same shape as yours, the inner sleeve is floating loose. The one on my car has plastic tabs cracked off, and the outer sleeve was crudely crimped by someone at some point, but it appears the inner sleeve is still attached.

So, the short answer is, I have nothing conclusive... sorry...