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Stiff gas pedal

Started by doctor4766, April 23, 2011, 08:35:34 AM

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doctor4766

I love driving my Charger but I gotta tell you, the effort it takes to push the throttle down with my foot is not normal and in fact makes long drives a chore.
I have replaced the throttle cable with a new one from year one so I know it's not binding.
The return spring I have experimented with substantially, but when I install a light enough spring for a softer pedal it doesn't return completely and idles too fast when stopped. I've been using those type springs that you can cut to the desired length and retension by pulling them apart.
Is there a solution to this problem?
I'm running a new 750 Holley on a factory manifold that I fitted a few months ago after my engine was rebuilt.
Gotta love a '69

Mick70RR

Are you using one of these.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HLY-20-7/

If not, the cable may be attached to the throttle lever too close to the pivot making the throttle seem stiff.
1970 Road Runner, 505 cid, 4 speed, GV overdrive, 3.91 gears
11.98 @ 117 on street treads

doctor4766

Oh yeah. Have the Holley adaptor fitted.
I'm wondering if it's the springs, and maybe in particular the kickdown spring?
Neither of mine are original type.
Gotta love a '69

Back N Black

Try working out? build your leg muscles.  :D

charger Downunder

Put up a pic how it is hooked to the carb maybe you need more of a lever action where it comes of the carb.
[/quote]

UFO

Any tight angles in the routing?

doctor4766

Well I have actually ordered some new "correct" return springs for the throttle and kickdown and they're taking ages to arrive from the States.
In the mean time after reading some threads regarding carby sizes I've fitted up a Holley 600 VS that I had bought new but never used.
Seems to run nicely with the smaller carb and perhaps even a little more responsive.
The jury's not quite out on the pedal feel yet though as I only did this work yesterday and haven't taken the car for a decent drive yet. I'll fit the new springs when they arrive and make comment then as to whether it's better.

All angles seemed fine and I have been using the correct carb adaptor and throttle return spring mount.
Gotta love a '69

FLG

with no spring and the car off, remove the cable and move the throttle and see if its binding. You should get a nice smooth travel and it should return to its closed position. If there is any binding check to make sure the throttle plates aren't rubbing on the base gasket. If its fine than move onto the cable and see if there is a hold up somewhere.

tan top

this may seem like a silly thing to say & its a bit of a way out idea or theroy  :slap:

, but the gas pedal flat part that bolts to to the floor !! the rubber has not split where the hinge is allowing any water grit etc etc to get in there & rust !!   making the hinge stiff seizing  :scratchchin:
Feel free to post any relevant picture you think we all might like to see in the threads below!

Charger Stuff 
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,86777.0.html
Chargers in the background where you least expect them 
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,97261.0.html
C500 & Daytonas & Superbirds
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,95432.0.html
Interesting pictures & Stuff 
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,109484.925.html
Old Dodge dealer photos wanted
 http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,120850.0.html

doctor4766

Well guys, the new springs arrived yesterday and I think I'm happy with the results.
I never realised exactly how much difference the throttle return spring's tension would make a difference.
I had previously fitted a new gas pedal, new cable and new carpet so there was no dirt, rust or other junk down there to fowl the movement of the pedal.
Thanks for the suggestions though. 
Gotta love a '69

440

So it was just the springs?

I'm assuming the new spring(s) were lighter as it appears the pedal was too stiff due to spring tension, what about returning to idle?

Interesting....

doctor4766

Yeah it seems the feel of the pedal relied quite a bit on the correct tension.
Returns to idle no probs.
Having said that I did swap out the carby to the new 600 Holley that I'd bought when I had the engine rebuilt but fitted the 750 due to a pain in the arse mix up by Mancini.
That, however is a long and drawn out story that I'm sure would bore you all right?
Runs heaps better now too btw
Gotta love a '69