Throttle Return Spring, Sold Each

OVERVIEW

When it comes to the reliable operation of your vintage air-cooled engine, even the smallest components play a massive role in safety and performance. The EMPI Throttle Return Spring is a critical replacement part designed to ensure your carburetor''s throttle plate snaps back to the idle position the moment you lift your foot off the accelerator. Over decades of heat cycles and constant tension, original factory springs lose their elasticity, become brittle, or stretch out, leading to a "lazy" throttle response. This isn''t just a matter of performance; a weak or broken return spring can result in a dangerously high idle or, in extreme cases, a throttle that remains partially open when you need to slow down. By installing a fresh, high-tension spring, you restore that crisp, responsive feel to your pedal and ensure your engine returns to its designated idle RPM every single time.

Constructed from high-grade spring steel and finished to resist the harsh environment of a VW engine bay, this throttle return spring is a direct replacement for the original Volkswagen part number 113-129-881A. It is specifically engineered for stock-style Solex and Brosol carburetors found on most upright engines. Whether you are performing a routine tune-up, rebuilding your 34-PICT-3, or chasing down a mysterious high-idle issue, replacing this spring is one of the most cost-effective "insurance policies" you can buy for your Beetle, Ghia, or Bus. Don''t let an ancient, rusty spring compromise your driving experience or safetyensure your linkage has the mechanical tension it requires to function exactly as the engineers in Wolfsburg intended.

FITMENT

This throttle return spring is designed for stock-style carburetors (30-PICT, 31-PICT, and 34-PICT series) on the following vehicles:

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle / Bug: 1965 through 1974 (1300cc - 1600cc)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1965 through 1974 (1300cc - 1600cc)
• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus / Transporter: 1965 through 1971 (1500cc - 1600cc Single Port and Dual Port)
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 1973 through 1974
• Custom Applications: Fits most stock-style Solex, Brosol, and EMPI replacement carburetors for air-cooled VW engines.

SPECS

• Part Number: 113-129-881A / 98-1313-B
• Material: High-tensile heat-treated spring steel
• Finish: Zinc plated for corrosion and rust resistance
• Quantity: Sold Each
• Function: Mechanical return for carburetor throttle arm
• Compatibility: Works with 30-PICT, 31-PICT, and 34-PICT carburetors

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: Inspect Your Throttle Shaft Bushings

If you are replacing your return spring because your engine is failing to return to idle, take a moment to inspect the throttle shaft for play. While a new spring provides the necessary tension, it cannot overcome a throttle shaft that is binding due to worn-out brass bushings. Grab the throttle arm and wiggle it side-to-side; if there is significant movement, you likely have a vacuum leak at the shaft. Replacing the spring is a great first step, but ensuring the shaft moves freely without binding is essential for a perfect idle.

Tip 2: The Double Spring Safety Measure

In many off-road, sand rail, or high-performance applications, veteran VW builders often run a secondary return spring as a fail-safe. While this EMPI spring is robust, having a second spring attached to a different anchor point ensures that if one spring should ever fatigue and snap, your throttle won''t stay wide open. It adds a slightly firmer feel to the pedal, which many drivers prefer for better throttle modulation during spirited driving.

Tip 3: Proper Hook Orientation and Lubrication

When installing your new spring, pay close attention to the orientation of the hooks. Ensure the spring is not rubbing against the carburetor body or the alternator/generator stand, as this friction will eventually saw through the spring or cause the throttle to hang. A tiny dab of high-temp lithium grease on the contact points where the spring hooks onto the throttle arm and the anchor bracket will significantly extend the life of the metal and ensure the smoothest possible operation.