Hi,

I have never changed one of those either.
I doubt the spring can be very complicated.
Just mark which notch that the tail end of the spring goes back into.
This will bring back the same tension back to a gas pedal feel as before.
Otherwise you may not feel the feedback to know how much you are pressing on it.

I doubt you have worn out a seal to cause a maximum of 14” vacuum.
The idlIng point vacuum should be a lot higher.
You are not looking in the right place. IMHO.
That shaft clearance is way too small.

An intake manifold gasket is more likely the culprit or if recently done the install was done incorrectly.
Like having a wire caught under it upon replacement.
A compression test is more warranted in this case for valve issues.

I have heard of the smoke test doing that before but never read any feedback as being a problem.
First of all it’s about volume in your case. A faint tail of smoke is not a forestry fire but a camp fire.

We need more background information to help you.


While you are there clean the throat of the throttle body out as it helps keep things transitioning smoothly.
Having it adjusted to the electronics is an important step.

Phil