A linkage system interconnects a plurality of throttle shafts, while minimizing the effects of thermal expansion in the linkage on the throttle shafts. The linkage includes a plurality of linkage rods which interconnect a plurality of throttle levers attached to the throttle shafts. At least a first and a second linkage rod are connected to a first lever in a manner in which thermal expansion of the first linkage rod applies a force to the first lever which is equal but opposite to a force applied to the first lever due to thermal expansion of the second linkage rod.