Re: Hand Throttle

Posted by Rusty O\'Toole On 2008/7/22 21:40:43

The hand throttle does the same job as the foot throttle in other words gas pedal.

On newer cars you have an automatic choke that also includes an automatic throttle stop to increase idle speed when starting from cold.

On cars like yours there is a hand choke for starting and a hand throttle to increase idle speed.

When starting from cold you pull out the choke and throttle before turning the starter. The throttle only needs to come out a little bit, just enough so the engine will start and idle a little faster than normal. As the engine warms up you can push the choke and throttle in.

You want to have the choke out just enough so the engine runs smoothly without stalling. Likewise the throttle.

The hand throttle can also be used as a primitive cruise control on long straight roads but this is not recommended, as it is unsafe to do this. In the case of an emergency you could get into an accident before you could shove the throttle in and slow down.

For starting on hills there are 2 techniques. One is to use the hand brake to hold the car, slowly releasing it as you pull away. This gives you both feet free to control the clutch and gas pedal.

The other is to put your right foot on the gas and brake pedal simultaniously, rolling off the brake and onto the gas. This is known as "heel and toeing" and is considered a rather advanced driving technique.