Binding accelerator pedal.....

[Dwight P.]

My accelerator pedal binds and will not return to idle unless the pedal is nudged. I have checked the carb spring, I have lubricated all of the linkage that I can get to, I have replaced the pedal, and I put a light coating of grease on the backside of the new pedal. I know it sounds weird, but here is the real mystery.....the pedal only binds when the engine is running???? The only answer I can come up with is the engine when idling twists slightly and binds the linkage where I cannot see it. (I do not have a lift). Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

[Ed S.]

Re: Binding accelerator pedal.....

First, if there is evidence that the engine is shifting when it is running you have a serious motor mount problem and..... the car is probably not safe to drive. You need to determine if the binding is in the linkage from the pedal to the adjusting rod portion of the entire assembly or in the the components associated with the carb. Disconnect the rod coming out of the body where it connects to the carb part of the linkage. Start the car - and observe. If the problem is still there you know it is related to the carb and its associated linkage - if the engine runs "normally" you know the problem is with the linkage that is part of or connected to the body. Isolate the problem.

[Dwight P.]

Re: Binding accelerator pedal.....

Thanks ED. I will give your recommendation a try.

[Alan D.]

Re: Binding accelerator pedal.....

Just before you follow Ed's advice did you install anti-squeak pad, 3825201, on top backside of pedal?

Stock or repro pedal?

[Ed S.]

Re: Binding accelerator pedal.....

OK! Let us all know what you find. Question, have you had any carburetor work done recently? Is there a possibility that the butterfly valves are getting hung up or perhaps the shafts they are mounted on that run through the body of the carb are binding?

[Dwight P.]

Re: Binding accelerator pedal.....

No carb work done recently.

[Dwight P.]

Re: Binding accelerator pedal.....

No I did not install an anti-squeak pad.

[Dwight P.]

Re: Binding accelerator pedal.....

I am becoming more and more suspicious that my engine mounts are failing. I bought the car new in 1965. It has been maintained to a high standard but I have never paid any attention to the engine mounts. The car has accumulated 116, 000 miles...is this mileage and 56 years abut the time engine mounts fail?