Throttle cable / gas pedal "stiffness"

[beermunk]

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]

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]

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

[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.

[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.

[beermunk]

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.

[beermunk]

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]

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]

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

[beermunk]

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!

[71tahoe]

My son's 69 had the same problem. It was the pedal surface that slides on the throttle arm. We used some lithium grease and it helped but didn't completely eliminate it. Check where they contact and like cdowns said, move to the carb.

[Jim_PA]

My gas pedal was simply worn out where the rod contacted the plastic pedal, and the ball studs/sockets that connected the pedal to the floor were shot too. I replaced the gas pedal for less than 10 bucks, and it's smooth as silk now

Mine used to stick right when I'd go to hit the pedal... once I got it off an idle, it was fine. I actually drove with no pedal for a while because it was driving me crazy.

[72 68 andmore]

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