Homelite DJ168F-15008-A Throttle Return Spring – Genuine OEM Replacement Engine Spring
Part Number: DJ168F-15008-A
Category: Pressure Washer, Generator & Small Engine Governor Components
Type: Throttle Return Spring – Genuine OEM Replacement Engine Spring
The Homelite DJ168F-15008-A Throttle Return Spring is a genuine OEM replacement engine component designed for select Homelite pressure washers, generators, and other equipment using compatible DJ-series small gasoline engines. Parts documentation identifies DJ168F-15008-A specifically as the Throttle Valve Return Spring / Spring, Throttle Return.
Product Specifications
- Part Number: DJ168F-15008-A
- Manufacturer: Homelite
- Product Type: Throttle Return Spring
- OEM Description: Spring, Throttle Return
- Alternate Description: Throttle Valve Return Spring / Throttle Spring / Engine Control Spring
- Component Type: Engine Throttle & Governor Component
- Primary Application: Pressure Washer / Generator / Small Engine Equipment
- Engine Family: Select DJ168F / Compatible Engine Applications
- System: Throttle / Governor Control System
- Function: Provides Return Force for the Engine Throttle Mechanism
- Compatible Brand: Homelite
- Installation Location: Engine Throttle / Governor Assembly
- Associated Components: Governor Rod / Governor Arm / Governor Spring / Throttle Assembly
- Replacement Type: Direct OEM Replacement
- OEM Status: Genuine OEM Replacement Part
- Condition: New
- Quantity: 1 Throttle Return Spring
- Part Number Reference: DJ168F-15008-A
A documented DJ170F engine parts list places DJ168F-15008-A directly alongside the governor rod and other engine-control components and specifies a quantity of one.
Features & Benefits
- Genuine OEM replacement throttle return spring
- Designed for compatible Homelite equipment
- Factory-designated Throttle Return Spring
- Used within the engine throttle and governor system
- Provides mechanical return force to the throttle mechanism
- Helps maintain proper throttle response
- Supports consistent engine-speed control
- Works with the corresponding governor components
- Designed for repeated expansion and contraction cycles
- Application-specific spring dimensions and tension
- Helps maintain the engine's original control configuration
- Suitable for replacing stretched, weakened, broken, or missing springs
- Direct replacement for equipment specifying DJ168F-15008-A
Throttle Return Spring Function
The throttle system regulates the amount of air and fuel entering the engine, which directly affects engine speed and power output.
The DJ168F-15008-A provides return force within this control system.
Depending on the engine configuration, the throttle and governor system can include:
- Throttle assembly
- Throttle return spring
- Governor spring
- Governor rod
- Governor arm
- Governor shaft
- Carburetor throttle linkage
These components work together to regulate engine speed as operating load changes.
Throttle & Governor System
The throttle return spring should not be confused with the engine's separate governor spring.
Documented Homelite engine assemblies list:
- DJ168F-15008-A – Throttle Return Spring
- DJ168F-15006-A – Governor Rod
- DJ168F-15007-A – Governor Spring
- DJ168F-15004-A – Governor Arm
This confirms that the throttle return spring and governor spring are separate components with different roles within the same engine-control system.
Documented Pressure Washer Application
The DJ168F-15008-A is documented within Homelite pressure washer engine assemblies.
For example, the Homelite UT80522F Pressure Washer engine parts list identifies:
Item 39 – DJ168F-15008-A – Throttle Valve Return Spring – Qty. 1.
This application places the spring directly within the engine governor/throttle assembly.
Additional compatible equipment may use the same spring, but exact fitment should always be verified using the equipment's model and engine parts documentation.
Documented Generator Application
The DJ168F-15008-A also appears within generator engine configurations.
Available parts documentation for compatible Homelite generator equipment places the throttle return spring alongside the:
- Throttle assembly
- Governor spring
- Governor rod
- Governor arm
This demonstrates that the part can be used across more than one type of outdoor power equipment when the applicable engine configuration specifies DJ168F-15008-A.
Throttle Return vs. Governor Spring
Although the two springs are located near each other, they should not be confused.
Throttle Return Spring
The DJ168F-15008-A provides return force within the throttle mechanism.
Governor Spring
The governor spring works as part of the mechanical governor system to help regulate engine speed under changing loads.
The two springs can have different:
- Lengths
- Wire diameters
- Hook configurations
- Spring rates
- Installed positions
- Operating tension
Do not substitute one for the other.
Importance of Correct Spring Tension
Throttle-control springs are calibrated mechanical components.
The spring's dimensions and tension influence how the throttle linkage responds during engine operation.
An incorrect spring can potentially affect:
- Throttle response
- Engine idle
- Governed engine speed
- Engine response under load
- Throttle return action
For equipment specifying this component, use DJ168F-15008-A as the primary replacement reference rather than selecting a generic spring based only on appearance.
Common Reasons for Replacement
Replacement of the DJ168F-15008-A Throttle Return Spring may be appropriate if the original spring has:
- Broken
- Stretched
- Lost tension
- Become distorted
- Developed corrosion
- Developed damaged hooks
- Become disconnected
- Sustained heat damage
- Been damaged during carburetor service
- Been damaged during governor adjustment
- Become unable to provide adequate return force
- Been lost during engine disassembly
A spring that has permanently stretched or changed shape should generally be replaced rather than manually reshaped.
Possible Signs of a Damaged Throttle Spring
Depending on the engine configuration, a damaged or incorrectly installed throttle return spring may contribute to:
- Improper throttle return
- Erratic engine speed
- Abnormal idle behavior
- Poor throttle response
- Throttle linkage remaining in an incorrect position
- Engine speed not responding normally
- Loose throttle linkage
- Visible spring damage
- Spring becoming disconnected
Similar symptoms can also result from carburetor, governor, linkage, fuel-system, or engine problems.
Governor Rod Inspection
When replacing DJ168F-15008-A, inspect the corresponding governor rod.
Check for:
- Bending
- Excessive wear
- Damaged ends
- Binding
- Corrosion
- Incorrect positioning
- Disconnection
The rod should move freely through its intended range without binding against surrounding components.
Governor Spring Inspection
Because the governor spring is located within the same control system, inspect it while servicing the throttle return spring.
Check for:
- Stretching
- Corrosion
- Broken coils
- Damaged hooks
- Distortion
- Incorrect installation
Do not interchange the governor spring with DJ168F-15008-A.
Throttle Linkage Inspection
Inspect the complete throttle linkage for:
- Binding
- Dirt buildup
- Bent components
- Damaged attachment holes
- Missing springs
- Incorrect routing
- Excessive mechanical play
- Corrosion
The throttle mechanism should move freely through its intended range.
A new spring cannot correct a seized or severely damaged throttle linkage.
Carburetor Inspection
Because the throttle mechanism interfaces with the carburetor, inspect the applicable carburetor linkage during service.
Check for:
- Binding throttle movement
- Damaged throttle lever
- Dirt or debris
- Loose linkage
- Damaged mounting points
- Incorrect spring attachment
Make sure the throttle can move freely before returning the engine to operation.
Installation Considerations
Before replacing DJ168F-15008-A:
- Shut down the equipment completely.
- Allow the engine and exhaust components to cool.
- Disconnect the spark plug.
- Turn off the fuel supply where applicable.
- Locate the throttle and governor assembly.
- Note the original spring orientation.
- Photograph the linkage arrangement if helpful.
- Carefully disconnect the old throttle return spring.
- Inspect the throttle linkage and governor components.
- Install the new DJ168F-15008-A Throttle Return Spring in the correct attachment points.
- Verify that the spring is properly seated.
- Check the throttle linkage for free movement.
- Confirm proper spring return action.
- Reinstall any covers or air-cleaner components removed during service.
- Verify proper engine operation before returning the equipment to normal use.
Installation Tips
During installation:
- Note the exact original spring location
- Do not confuse the throttle spring with the governor spring
- Avoid unnecessarily stretching the replacement spring
- Make sure both spring ends are securely attached
- Verify that the spring does not rub against surrounding components
- Check linkage movement before starting the engine
- Do not bend the spring hooks to compensate for incorrect installation
- Keep the throttle and governor linkage clean
- Verify that all linkage components are correctly connected
Incorrect spring installation can affect engine-speed control.
Important Notes
- Verify compatibility with your exact Homelite equipment model, engine configuration, and production revision before ordering.
- Match part number DJ168F-15008-A directly with the applicable OEM parts documentation.
- DJ168F-15008-A is specifically identified as a Throttle Return Spring / Throttle Valve Return Spring.
- This component is part of the engine throttle and governor control system.
- It is not a valve spring.
- It is not a recoil starter spring.
- It is not the governor spring.
- The governor spring is listed separately as DJ168F-15007-A in compatible engine assemblies.
- The governor rod is also a separate component, identified as DJ168F-15006-A in documented applications.
- Do not select a replacement spring solely by visual similarity.
- Throttle springs can differ in length, wire diameter, hook design, spring rate, and operating tension.
- Use DJ168F-15008-A as the primary fitment reference.
- Inspect the throttle linkage whenever replacing the spring.
- Check the governor rod and governor spring for damage.
- Make sure the carburetor throttle mechanism moves freely.
- Do not cut, shorten, excessively stretch, or otherwise modify the replacement spring.
- Make sure both ends are securely attached before starting the engine.
- If engine speed remains erratic after replacement, inspect the complete throttle, governor, carburetor, and fuel system.
- Disconnect the spark plug before servicing engine-control components.
- Keep hands and tools away from hot engine and exhaust components.
- This listing is for one Homelite DJ168F-15008-A Throttle Return Spring only unless otherwise specified. Governor spring, governor rod, governor arm, carburetor, throttle assembly, and other engine components are sold separately unless explicitly included.
- Match Homelite DJ168F-15008-A with your equipment's OEM parts documentation before ordering to ensure proper fitment.
