Throttle cable / gas pedal "stiffness" - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

beermunk · 07-30-2007, 11:12 PM

I was wondering if this is just my ignorance of having an old vehicle or if there is something I can fix here.

The issue is that the gas pedal seems stiff when initially pressing it. After it's down for a little bit it has the same resistance as I am used to in driving a new vehicle. It's really noticeable when I'm in 2nd gear and initially hit the gas. I get a jerk in the throttle.

The only way to remedy not jerking the tranny like this is ride the clutch a little bit but I don't want to continue to do this. I've already given the throttle spring some wd-40 and sprayed some on the accelerator pedal.

Any thoughts or is this just the way these old trucks run?

GREASEMONKEY72 · 07-30-2007, 11:16 PM

these old carburated trucks are going to have a stiffer pedal than a new car, personally i like having the stiffer pedal and when i drive a new car it feels like theres nothing there

herb101 · 07-30-2007, 11:19 PM

May be due on the throttle return spring being too tight. You may be able to find another location to secure it or it may not be the correct spring - too short of a spring will cause a stiff pedal.

Herb

68gmsee · 07-30-2007, 11:36 PM

After you check all of the mentioned parts, I would disconnect the link to the carburetor and see if you still have a hesitation.

If you don't, suspect the butterfly shaft (name?) in the carburetor. I had one do that once and the carburetor shop fixed it. I think they replaced the shaft. Been a long time ago.

You may also want to spray carb cleaner on the throttle body as you open and close the throttle in case you have some gummed up fuel in the carb throat.

beermunk · 07-31-2007, 12:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68gmsee

After you check all of the mentioned parts, I would disconnect the link to the carburetor and see if you still have a hesitation.

If you don't, suspect the butterfly shaft (name?) in the carburetor. I had one do that once and the carburetor shop fixed it. I think they replaced the shaft. Been a long time ago.

You may also want to spray carb cleaner on the throttle body as you open and close the throttle in case you have some gummed up fuel in the carb throat.

i'll check that too. thank you so much for the response!

skokie · 07-30-2007, 11:34 PM

I ran into this myself and I agree with Greasmonkey72 I like the pedal stiffer. On mine it was due to a spring the width of 3/8s wrench and about 4-5 inches long.

beermunk · 07-31-2007, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skokie

I ran into this myself and I agree with Greasmonkey72 I like the pedal stiffer. On mine it was due to a spring the width of 3/8s wrench and about 4-5 inches long.

I will say that the spring coming off the throttle body looks like it's from a mattress. I'll see if I can find something OEM to replace it with.

skokie · 07-31-2007, 01:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beermunk

I will say that the spring coming off the throttle body looks like it's from a mattress. I'll see if I can find something OEM to replace it with.

That was a stock spring. I thought it wasnt so I asked a guy who rebuilds carbs. Said that they were that big on most 68s.

cdowns · 07-31-2007, 05:04 AM

sometimes 40year old parts work easier if they are cleaned and lubricated. star at the foot pedal and go to the carb

beermunk · 07-31-2007, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdowns

sometimes 40year old parts work easier if they are cleaned and lubricated. star at the foot pedal and go to the carb

True enough. Thanks!

72 68 andmore · 07-31-2007, 11:30 PM

some day you will yearn for stiffness LOL sorry I had too

07-30-2007, 11:12 PM	#1
beermunk Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Stevens Point, WI Posts: 29	Throttle cable / gas pedal "stiffness" I was wondering if this is just my ignorance of having an old vehicle or if there is something I can fix here. The issue is that the gas pedal seems stiff when initially pressing it. After it's down for a little bit it has the same resistance as I am used to in driving a new vehicle. It's really noticeable when I'm in 2nd gear and initially hit the gas. I get a jerk in the throttle. The only way to remedy not jerking the tranny like this is ride the clutch a little bit but I don't want to continue to do this. I've already given the throttle spring some wd-40 and sprayed some on the accelerator pedal. Any thoughts or is this just the way these old trucks run? __________________ ################################# 1969 Chevy LWB / 2WD / 307 "You better take care of me Lord, or you'll have me on your hands..." - H.S.T

07-30-2007, 11:16 PM	#2
GREASEMONKEY72 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bakersfield,CA Posts: 7,893	Re: Throttle cable / gas pedal "stiffness" these old carburated trucks are going to have a stiffer pedal than a new car, personally i like having the stiffer pedal and when i drive a new car it feels like theres nothing there __________________ -steven Alte Seele S.S. "Allison" '72 C/10 LWB 350SB/TH350 - DD PITBULL IS NOT A CRIME

07-30-2007, 11:19 PM	#3
herb101 Used Register Join Date: May 2005 Location: Live Oak, TX Posts: 379	Re: Throttle cable / gas pedal "stiffness" May be due on the throttle return spring being too tight. You may be able to find another location to secure it or it may not be the correct spring - too short of a spring will cause a stiff pedal. Herb

07-30-2007, 11:36 PM	#4
68gmsee Active Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Centrally located between Houston, Austin and Waco. BCS area. Posts: 7,947	Re: Throttle cable / gas pedal "stiffness" After you check all of the mentioned parts, I would disconnect the link to the carburetor and see if you still have a hesitation. If you don't, suspect the butterfly shaft (name?) in the carburetor. I had one do that once and the carburetor shop fixed it. I think they replaced the shaft. Been a long time ago. You may also want to spray carb cleaner on the throttle body as you open and close the throttle in case you have some gummed up fuel in the carb throat.

07-30-2007, 11:34 PM	#6
skokie Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: San Jose Ca. Posts: 3,354	Re: Throttle cable / gas pedal "stiffness" I ran into this myself and I agree with Greasmonkey72 I like the pedal stiffer. On mine it was due to a spring the width of 3/8s wrench and about 4-5 inches long. __________________ RIP to my son Dylan. 5/17/2002 - 8/18/2018 If you want to know more about rare forms of pediatric cancer or if you want to help fund pediatric cancer research, please check out the website for the non-profit I started. https://slothforpedcancer.org 68 build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=223234

07-31-2007, 05:04 AM	#9
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Throttle cable / gas pedal "stiffness" sometimes 40year old parts work easier if they are cleaned and lubricated. star at the foot pedal and go to the carb __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

07-31-2007, 11:30 PM	#11
72 68 andmore Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 54	Re: Throttle cable / gas pedal "stiffness" some day you will yearn for stiffness LOL sorry I had too

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