FIXED: Parking Lever Spring | 63 Dodge Dart

[totalwar]

Spring broke off the parking lever, popped a new one in and it works like a dream again. Thanks for everyone’s help.

My question now is, how do I best ensure this doesn’t happen again for the foreseeable future? I’ve read someone where people always apply the hand brake before lowering the park lever and parking the vehicle to alleviate the pressure placed upon the spring I broke.

Secondly, how do you suggest starting the car first thing in the morning before the engine is hot? I tried the three gas pumps before turning the key but found that a simple one foot on the brake, one foot pressing the gas as you turn the key made her start with no problems every time. The former typically lead to the car turning off after a few seconds of starting

Any and all useful tips for newbies to classic cars for all around maintenance will be greatly appreciated, cheers

 

[khryslerkid]

If the original spring lasted 60+ years your new one might last that long. No preventive measures to make it last any longer. Applying the parking brake before placing it in park can take pressure off the park gear but not the leavers spring.

If you have an automatic choke you have to depress the gas pedal to the floor at least one time to activate it. If you have a manual choke hold the pedal down and then pull the choke out. Each engine can have its quick start method when cold. Some like a bit of priming, some don't. Once you find what it likes, stay with it. A quick fire up when cold is better than a bunch of cranking.

Glad the spring fixed it