Hey all,
Just tried to do a squeeze type throttle mod to replace my standard one on my 18hp GDLT. Finally got everything rigged up but it seems I have a problem.

When I squeeze the brake lever for full throttle, it does not have enough slack to allow it to go completely back to what I believe will be neutral. On the other hand, if I loosen it to allow it to go back to neutral, it will not have enough slack to get me to full throttle.

I dont believe I am far off from neutral but I cant remember if this engine (vanguard) will start if it is not in neutral? I would try it but I broke my kill switch and dont wanna damage anything by running it without it.

To those who have done this....what am I doing wrong and will this be a problem?

Thanks for any help!
Lookinup

I think you have Idle and neutral confused, GDLT dont have neutral.

There needs to be a spring to pull the cable back to Idle when you let off.

LoL,
My fault, Idle, not neutral.

I will be adding a spring to assist the throttle come back to idle, but I am having trouble finding a spot where I can get full throttle and full idle.......due to the new throttle handle and cable. I got it real close on both ends so we shall see....
Does anyone know if this motor will start if it is not completey in the idle position?

Now off to replace the kill switch I broke.

Thanks
Lookinup

Yes it will start. That's the reason they have the mercury switch.

I remember reading somewhere that if you are using a typical brake lever (like off of a bicycle) there may not be enough travel for the throttle.

If this is true, then it would explain why you would be able to set the WOT side but not the idle and visa versa.

Thanks all,
Got it up and running after wiring a new kill switch on it.

The throttle works great. I get WOT and I am pretty much at idle at well when I release the handle.

It pretty much started right up but then acted like it was starved for fuel. Tested the kill switch (it worked, yeah!) and pumped the ball again, it started then died out. Tried to start it again and it back fired and now while trying to start it there is gas spitting out of the carb....and it wont start.

Gonna drink a beer and then go back out to see if maybe the float is sticking. Maybe all the banging on the motor this weekend goofed it up.

Wish me luck