The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Linkage Problems (need advice/pics) FENTON

Hey guys, last 2 days I've been pulling whats left of my hair out trying to get my throttle linkage going. Heres what I have: '57 3200 235cui w/Fenton dual intake and Fenton Exaust. I have the stock throttle linkage, and it just seems a bit off. I do understand the linkage needs to be 'tweeked' a bit to fit, but I was hoping for some advice and or even betterr..pics to assist me. I would like to see how you guys have done it, and it might make it easier for me.
Also, the external mount oil filter canister....?? dont look like it fits on the Fenton intake. THANKS - J.R. in VA

Where in VA, J.R.?

The Fenton intake extends further from the block than some other intakes (like the Offenhauser) and I also could not mount a filter on the manifold. In my case, a 1960 261, the filter is a full-flow set-up that can be relocated using a remote oil filter mounting/head.

Other people who have used a remote mounting/head in a by-pass system might post how they plumbed it (I think a restrictor is needed).

Regarding the linkage, where are you having a problem? From the pedal to the bell-crank (pivot) on the block, or from the bell-crank to the carb-linkage mechanism? You might want to post a picture or two of your linkage (there are different styles).

Tim

Chesterfield, VA (just outside of Richmond)

I cannot get the linkage rod that goes from the carbs to the bell-crank (pivot) on the block to connect.
J.R.

What style of carb linkage do you have?

it bolts right into the side of the block on a swivel-type piece with 2 holes, one hole for the gas pedal linkage, and the other for the carb linkage.

What style of dual-carb linkage do you have?

What kind of carbs do you have?

Langdon's sells a real nice kit for some two-barrel carb set-ups (the parts look like these - he does not show the dual/triple linkages).

Langdon's and most other vendors also sell another kit for 1-barrel carbs.

Each application might have its own problems/solutions.

Johnnyrock70,

Without pictures, this is a difficult deal. I looked but could find none. The shot of your engine show both Fenton intake and exhaust. The pass through for the linkage from bellcrank to carburetor linkage is pretty narrow, and as the bellcrank makes its swing, that rod must be perfectly adjusted so as not to run into interference on idle or WOT.

Suffice it to say that you have to bend and tweak until you get it just right. Because you have to turn it into a pretzel, it will become marginally too short. I remember adding a section to this 1/4" rod to make it the proper length again.

The linkage supplied with a OFFY manifold is very poor. Your old Fenton will probably have to have linkage fabricated to tie both carburetors together.

Don't quote me on this, but if you are using Rochester's, I believe Curt B, one of the members, has made some beautiful linkage for another member on this site...maybe he will see this post and pop in.

This is a tough task requiring delicate fabrication skills and because it controls the brains of the engine, it's critical that it be adjustable and work smoothly.

This blurb doesn't help you one bit I'm sure, and I'm sorry I can't find pictures as they would explain a bunch. Hopefully someone with pix and more dope will show up soon.

Stuart

I just put in Fenton intake and headers and I couldn't get the stock linkage to work.

I went with a cable throttle and it worked very well.

Here is a picture of the linkage supplied with new intakes that should show you how it connects to the carbs:

http://s176.photobucket.com/albums/w186/curt160/engine/?action=view&current=Picture015.jpg


Having never being able to adjust that to my satisfaction I made a few of these:

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2371836880023244788scDYVI



I believe the “magic ingredient” in making a multi carb setup work well is a rod that is parallel to the crankshaft which pivots along its own axis and actuates the carbs thru arms and ball joints. Tom Langdon accomplishes this by means of Heim joints and angled holders and I did it by making the rod holder integral to the spacer but the method I used cost more than I would want to pay and is not the most cost effective solution. Many vintage intakes have a solid linkage provision that can be used for a guideline and to do it again I would:

1. Study the solid linkage “wings” and arms in this thread and sketch the pieces (especially the Edelbrock and old Fenton ones):

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=200740&showall=1

2. Fabricate wings and weld to your intake as shown in examples.
3. Drill rod holes in ears after mocking up carbs and determining pivot points.
4. Carbs should be actuated from directly underneath at mid point for optimum reduction in throttle shaft wear.

Linkage arms are available at vintage speed (3 required):

http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb.dll?parta~dyndetail~Z5Z5Z50000106a~Z5Z5Z599351~P6.75~~~~S2KH0JICI614259213914a~Z5Z5Z5~Z5Z5Z50000106a

Search for a local “throttle ball joint” distributor. Paulin in Canada has them or here is a US example (5 required):

http://www.aetnascrew.com/bjoint3.htm

Once set up a solid linkage system won’t “wander away” and very fine adjustment becomes possible.

Nice, Curt