Seized Levers

[Lenny Bruce]

Good morning. My ‘30 Tudor both the spark advance and the throttle levers are very tight. They move but very stiff. I lubracated the pivots on the steering column under the hood with minimal changes. Any idea why both levers would be so stiff?

 

[Joe K]

The top bushing of the steering column. Many of these were constructed of a "zinc composition" - which is noted for time and corrosion to "swell" into the holes for both spark/throttle rods AND the steering wheel shaft. One recommendation I've seen on rebuilding is to "ream" the holes with a solid hand reamer while the rods are removed to "free up" this rotating connection.

Replacement of the entire bushing is possible. Removal of the two control rods CAN be a challenge though - not so much the removal as their replacement. Techniques have been described on this board - search "spark/throttle valve replacement."

Try lubricating the top first.


Joe K

 

[old ugly]

maybe use a penitrating oil on them it is thinner and may work its way in there. unhook the control rods to the distributor and the throttle, worry them back and forth for an hour.

good luck

 

[Joe K]

If right, it should be the "notches" at the top which hold the lever handles in place. For judging, they check to hear or feel the lever point "pass" over the lines on the steering column top.

It's the spring at the bottom which pushes the handle "down" to achieve this ratcheting.

Joe K

 

[Big hammer]

DON’T USE WD-40 will make the upper bushing swell and make the levers inoperable !!

 

[Y-Blockhead]

don’t use wd-40 will make the upper bushing swell and make the levers inoperable !!

2-x

 

[rotorwrench]

The last top column bushing I removed refused to be knocked out so I had to cut it out with a mini saws all and cold chisels. Not a fun job but it came out. The reproductions are aluminum and generally have to be drilled and tapped for the retaining screws. I grease the cotton duck bushing real well to keep the steering shaft happy. If you put the felt anti rattlers on the two lever rods then they have to go into the top bushing before you push it is. It's a bear to align the spark & throttle rods but I figured a way to lift suspend the tips of the rods enough to align them with the lower bushing bores during the installation. If I can do it then anyone can.