Vehicle speed control: springsRecall 86V-079 · Thomas vehicles
THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC. recall 86V-079 covers 942 Thomas vehicles for a vehicle speed control: springs problem, reported to NHTSA on June 16, 1986.
Source: NHTSA recall 86V079000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by the manufacturer.
The problem
TWO THROTTLE RETURN SPRING DEFECTS ARE INVOLVED IN THIS RECALL. (1) BUSES EQUIPPED WITH CATERPILLAR ENGINES MAY HAVE A THROTTLE RETURN SPRING THAT BREAKS AND PREVENTS THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO IDLE POSITION WHEN THE DRIVER'S FOOT IS REMOVED FROM THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL; (2) BUSES EQUIPPED WITH CUMMINS VT-225 ENGINES MAY HAVE THE THROTTLE RETURN SPRING CONNECTED TO THE THROTTLE SLAVE CYLINDER INSTEAD OF THE FUEL INJECTION PUMP LEVER. IF FAILURE OCCURS IN THE ACCELERATION CONTROL SYSTEM, THE ENGINE MAY ACCELERATE TO ITS MAXIMUM GOVERNED RPM. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IN EITHER CASE, THROTTLE CONTROL WILL BE LOST WHICH MAY RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
The fix
A REPAIR KIT CONSISTING OF NEW SPRING, MOUNTING BRACKET AND PROPER REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE SHIPPED TO EACH OWNER AT NO CHARGE AND THE OWNER MAY MAKE HIS OWN REPAIRS, OR HAVE A THOMAS DISTRIBUTOR OR A REPUTABLE LOCAL SHOP MAKE THE REPAIRS.
SYSTEM: THROTTLE LEVER RETURN SPRING. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRANSIT AND SCHOOL BUSES WITH A GVWR GREATER THAN 10,000 POUNDS.
Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.