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The Daily Insight

What is a push pull throttle

Author

Sarah Rodriguez

Published Mar 08, 2026

A push/pull throttle is a dual cable throttle operation where the pull cable opens the throttle plates, while the push cable, along with a throttle return spring, closes the throttle plates. The “push” cable is a misnomer as the push cable also pulls. … The second cable pulls the carb closed so it isn’t stuck wide open.

How can you tell the difference between a push and throttle cable?

The two throttle cables do each have a different use. The pull cable pulls the throttle open, hence the name. The push cable, however, doesn’t actually push anything. It acts as a safeguard, pulling the throttle closed if the spring fails.

What is a push pull cable?

A push-pull throttle cable is an upgrade to the traditional automotive single-throttle cable linkage of many years past. When releasing or throttling down, the throttle grip engages the carburetor. It improves the single-throttle cable, as only a single spring is responsible for throttling down.

Why do some motorcycles have two throttle cables?

So why do some motorcycles have two throttle cables? The previous throttle grip arrangement of operating the spring loaded slide mechanism by a single pull cable was found to be inadequate. That’s why, dual or double cable system throttle grip system was invented to favor twin-cylinder motorcycles in particular.

How are push pull cables measured?

The stroke on a push-pull cable can be calculated by measuring from the end of the support tube to the first thread on the bulk head or on a groove mounted cable you will measure to the front edge of the groove. The stroke is approximately 1.25” shorter than what you measure.

Can you use wd40 on throttle cables?

Choosing The Correct Lubricant Some cables have a slick inner sheath that will gum up if exposed to solvents or harsh chemicals, so do NOT use WD-40 or any other type of penetrating oil.

Do you need both throttle cables?

You don’t need it. Technically, it’s only required by the government to return the carb to a non-open-throttle position. But there’s actually a massive spring on your carburetor that returns the throttle back to close.

How much play should throttle have?

Most motorcycle manufacturers recommend about 2 to 3 millimeters of throttle free play, but over time the cables will stretch and settle into their housings and you’ll end up with more slack.

Why do two throttle cables push and pull?

A push/pull throttle cable is an upgrade to the old standard single throttle cable linkage. The throttle grip works on the carburettors when twisting/throttling up and when releasing/throttling down. … The second cable pulls the carb closed so it isn’t stuck wide open.

Why is my motorcycle lagging?

There are different reasons why an engine bogs out under acceleration: The most common reason is that your air/fuel mixture is inefficient or dirty. If your air filter is clogged or has a lot of dirt. … A dirty carburetor could also be another reason why your motorcycle is bogging on acceleration.

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How do I know if my throttle cable is loose?

  1. The pedal feels stiff or hard to depress.
  2. The pedal sticks and does not release normally.
  3. There is slack in the pedal’s movement.
  4. There is a rough or abnormally low idle.
  5. The engine stalls.
  6. There is a delay in response when you push the pedal down.

How do I know if throttle free play?

To check the throttle free play, hold the grip between your fingers and roll it back and forth until you begin to feel the pull of the cable. Pick a spot on the grip and watch it to measure the free play. If you have trouble visualizing the measurement, hold a metric tape measure up to the grip.

Are brake and gear cables the same?

While brake and gear inner cables are nominally similar, the housings are different – brake cables use conventional ‘helical’ housing which consists of a tightly-wrapped helix of steel wire lined on both inside and outside by a plastic coating.

Can I make my own throttle cable?

Making your own throttle, clutch or brake cables can be really rewarding. It allows you to customize your bike in any way you want without having to buy expensive, factory cables. … There’s a lot more than meets the eye when making your own cables so therefore this rather long monolog about making your own cables.

Are boat throttle cables universal?

Replacement throttle control cables are generally an OEM or 3300/33C Universal type. Teleflex Marine control cables meet OEM specifications for fit, function, reliability and quality.

What is Teleflex Cable?

Teleflex. Flexible Cables are used for transmission of low voltage signals, while permanently connecting fixed parts of machine such as panel board to any apparatus or mobile units.

How do throttle cables work?

An accelerator cable, sometimes called throttle cable, is a metal braided cable that serves as a mechanical link between the gas pedal and the engine’s throttle plate. When the gas pedal is pressed, the cable is pulled and opens the throttle. … The most common way that accelerator cables fail is that they break.

Why is my motorcycle throttle sticking?

A sticky throttle could be caused by worn cables, lack of lubrication in the cables or the cable getting bound up somewhere in the mechanism. Or it can be caused by an issue with the carburetor or EFI. … If the screws in the throttle housing are too tight it could cause the cable to stick.

Can you use white lithium grease on cables?

White lithium grease home uses WD-40 High-Performance White Lithium Grease lubricant is also great to apply to home uses such as lubricating: Garden tools. Cables and chains. Water pumps.

What is spray silicone?

Food grade silicone spray is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless spray-on lubricant that has been certified safe for consumption. The spray has multiple uses, but it is most commonly used in food processing to lubricate metal-to-non-metal surfaces. It can also be used during storage of equipment to prevent corrosion.

Do I need to lube a new clutch cable?

No you dont. The cables are teflon coated inside and oil can break that down.

Can you use chain lube on cables?

The cable luber will have a port on the side that allows you to spray the lube. The mechanism will force the lube into the cable housing and down the inner parts of the cable. … Avoid general or multipurpose lubricants or any unrelated oils, like motor oil. Do not use chain lube for your cables.

What is free play motorcycle?

Adjusting your clutch lever “Free play” is process of achieving the correct amount of slack of the clutch cable, as measured at the pivot point of the clutch lever. … The clutch cable is always engaging the clutch (just a little bit), separating the clutch plates, and causing accelerated wear.

What is free play bike?

Normal clutch lever free play is 10-20 mm at the lever. … Start the engine, press the clutch lever and shift into gear. Make sure the engine does not stall, and the motorcycle does not creep. Gradually release the clutch lever and open the throttle. The motorcycle should start smoothly and accelerate.

Why does my bike jerk when I accelerate?

When accelerating, the engine counterweights increase in RPM throwing the outward plates. Now there will be clutch slippage until the point of finding traction. That is the jerk you experience.

Why does my motorcycle pop when I accelerate?

The popping sound is made when unburnt fuel is ignited in the exhaust. This is usually caused by your engine running too lean or too rich. This means you either have 1 of 2 things going on: your bike is getting too much air (lean) or too much fuel (rich) in the mix.

Why does my bike dies when I give it gas?

Dirty Air Filter As the air filter cleans the air entering the carburetor, it will eventually become dirty or clogged and may prevent the proper amount of air from mixing with the fuel, causing your engine to stall.

How do I increase my throttle response?

One of the easiest ways to improve engine and throttle response is by making sure your fuel filter is clean. When you stomp on the gas pedal, it sends a signal for more fuel to go into the engine.

How can I make my throttle more responsive?

Increase Throttle Response with Aftermarket Throttle Bodies More air volume and speed is a surefire way to increase horsepower and throttle response at any given RPM. It is easy to achieve this at high RPM when the engine sucks in substantial amounts of air on its own.

How long do throttle cables last?

How long you can expect your accelerator cable to last will depend in large measure on how often you drive. The more use the accelerator cable gets, the more prone it is to wear and tear. Usually, you can expect to get five years from your accelerator cable before it needs to be replaced.