THOMAS SAF-T-LINER 1986: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:SPRINGS

NHTSA Campaign ID Number: 86V079000

Production Dates: 1981-11-01 - 1986-06-01

Manufacturers Involved: THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.

Component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:SPRINGS

Potential Number Of Units Affected: 942

Report Initiator: MFR MFR Report

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.

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.