The engine controls on the TD and TF comprise the mechanical linkages between the driver's controls in the cockpit and the engine, the accelerator pedal and its linkage to the carburettor throttles, the choke cable operating the carburettor mixture enrichment, and the starter cable with its separate pull switch. These are relatively simple mechanical systems characteristic of the era, but they include model-specific splits between the TD and TF that must be observed when ordering.
Accelerator Linkage
The accelerator operates through a roller-type pedal mounted on the floor, connected via a control rod to the carburettor throttle linkage. The pedal roller, its pin, packing washers, and anti-rattle washer are universal across both the TD and TF. The accelerator control rod and the return spring that provides positive throttle closure are also common to both models, and the spring anchor bracket mounts to the starter motor. A broken or weak return spring is a genuine safety concern, it will allow the throttle to hang open rather than returning to idle when the pedal is released.
On the twin SU carburettors fitted to all TD and TF engines, the throttle linkage must ensure both carburettors open simultaneously and fully, and close completely at idle with no binding or stiffness.
Choke and Starter Cables
The choke cable and starter cable are the principal model-specific items in this category. The TD uses one specification of choke and starter cable, whilst the TF uses a different pair. The difference reflects the TF's completely restyled dashboard, the TD and TF dashboards are fundamentally different in shape, layout, and fixing arrangement, and the cable lengths and bulkhead routing differ accordingly. The choke cable trunnion kit, which provides the pivot connection at the carburettor jet assembly, is universal across both models.
On the SU carburettors fitted to all TD and TF engines, the choke lowers the jet to increase fuel flow, a stuck or incorrectly adjusted choke cable will cause either difficult cold starting or rich running and poor economy. Both cables pass through the bulkhead and are subject to wear and stiffening over time, particularly at the bulkhead grommet.
Starter Motor Switch and Controls
The starter switch on the TD and TF is a separate component from the ignition switch and is operated by a pull cable from the dashboard. The switch itself, its coupling to the starter cable, the rubber terminal cover, and the mounting bracket are all universal across the TD and TF. The terminal covers should always be in place, as the exposed high-current starter connections present a short-circuit risk if they contact the chassis or other metalwork.
Ordering Considerations
The key distinction when ordering engine controls is TD versus TF for the choke and starter cables, all other accelerator linkage components are universal. On left-hand drive TDs the entire dashboard was a complete mirror image of the RHD layout, and this may affect cable routing. On left-hand drive TFs, only the main instruments were swapped, with the choke and starter controls also changing places on the centre panel. Provide the chassis number and confirm RHD or LHD when ordering cables.