1984 C10 - Throttle/gas pedal is heavy, hard to push

[Bobby Pootz]

I thought my gas pedal was hard to push when I picked up my 1984 C10 last week and a buddy who also has a C10 confirmed my gas pedal is indeed hard to press/push down. Is there an adjustment that I can do or do I need to replace the throttle cable? It's a carb if that matters.

Thanks in advance!

Rob

[Matt Man]

You can try to lubricate the cable, also make sure its not binding/rubbing on anything. Or you could replace it, they're pretty cheap.

[mightymouse]

Maybe the return spring just to strong
Try switching to a lighter one

[cadillac_al]

Sometimes I see springs hooked on the wrong place or non-stock springs. That would be the first place I looked.

[Dead Parrot]

2nd the call to check the springs. If a PO replaced the carb or switched from injection to carb, the springs might have been hooked up wrong, especially if the OEM linkage set was lost. Keep in mind that the OEM springs were a pair, one inside the other, so if one failed, the throttle would still return to idle.

Check the carb as well. Unhook all of the the linkage cables and check the throttle plates for free and easy movement.

[lucky_strike]

If the return springs don't fix it, replace the cable. The original cables get frayed and the plastic can crack, and over time they get stiff and jammed with stuff. OEM cables can be had under $20 at O'reileys

[wilkin250r]

Ditto on cable REPLACEMENT, if that is indeed the problem.

I learned years ago on motorcycles, don't mess with "fixing" throttle cables. Lubing them can often get them functional again, but if they're corroded or frayed, there's still too much possibility of them sticking. Had a buddy get a throttle cable stuck at full tilt, it becomes a life-threatening situation all too quickly.

If you find the cable is the problem, don't lube. Replace.

[Bobby Pootz]

All excellent ideas guys! Really appreciate the items to be on the look out for. I did notice how cheap a new cable is but I'm also of the club of "if it ain't broke" so I wanted to see if I can adjust it first. I'll lube and look at the springs. Thanks again!

Rob

[phillipm]

Also check that it is hooked up in the right place. Many of the aftermarket carbs have multiple holes to hook various things up to on the throttle arm. Hole too low will give hard input. I usually find it's a multitude of small sins that usually add up to a hard pedal.

[tucsonjwt]

My throttle return springs were always too weak.

If you remove the air cleaner and work the throttle bracket by hand you will see how well it operates. If the throttle snaps back hard, then your return spring is too stiff. You can get a selection of throttle return springs at the auto parts stores (usually in a plastic bag) and experiment with the one that feels best to your foot.

Of course, you may find some kind of obstruction in the way of the throttle or pedal linkage (like a vacuum hose routed in the wrong place.)

[Pontiac1976]

I like a firm gas peddle check the spring on the linkage if the cable is free & not jamed @ plastic sleeve is not jamed. or kinked.
I stretch the return spring a little hook it farther away so it pulles peddle back faster gives you a firmer peddle feel. make sure there two springs on there. (one in side of one)

[tucsonjwt]

X2 on 2 springs. I experimented with the selection of springs I got from the auto parts stores and one smaller spring mounted inside a larger spring was the correct "foot feel" for me.