Hard Accelerator Pedal?

[SourTooth307]

Ever since I bought my truck I've known it to have a much harder accelerator pedal than I'm used to. I had heard that it was normal before but a couple people who are pretty knowledgeable on auto mechanics have said to me that it's not right, one even went as far as to say that it seems like someone might have modified it to be harder to press. Can anyone confirm for me if this is true and if it is, what can I do to correct the problem? I'm guessing throttle springs?

My current set up is a 350cid with an Edelbrock 4 barrel, sitting lifted on the intake.

[Keith Seymore]

My '87 is perfect; exactly the right amount of effort and comparable with other production vehicles.

My guess on your situation is that there is something wrong with the cable; either bent or damaged (wire coming undone inside the sheath) resulting in increased friction inside the cable.

I wouldn't play with return springs at the carb, if that's what you are asking. Too light (in an effort to reduce the pedal force) and the throttle might not return to idle; heavier springs will just make the pedal force worse.

K

[SourTooth307]

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

My '87 is perfect; exactly the right amount of effort and comparable with other production vehicles.

My guess on your situation is that there is something wrong with the cable; either bent or damaged (wire coming undone inside the sheath) resulting in increased friction inside the cable.

I wouldn't play with return springs at the carb, if that's what you are asking. Too light (in an effort to reduce the pedal force) and the throttle might not return to idle; heavier springs will just make the pedal force worse.

K

So, new cable?

[walkerb]

I swapped out springs and it made mine better

[v30crewcab]

usually its the cable. they get a groove worn in them and get sticky.

[imjeff]

Just unhook the cable and see if it moves freely. If not, lube or relace it. If it moves freely I would change springs.

Jeff

[NorCalAnthony]

My '89 K5 had a really hard pedal when I first bought it. It was so bad that my calf and ankle ached the next day after driving it home from 2 hours away...
The PO had thrown in a new throttle cable with a handful of other misc parts so I figured what the heck and swapped it out. That simple project made a night and day difference and now it's as soft as my '13 Cruze.

[SourTooth307]

Originally Posted by NorCalAnthony

My '89 K5 had a really hard pedal when I first bought it. It was so bad that my calf and ankle ached the next day after driving it home from 2 hours away...
The PO had thrown in a new throttle cable with a handful of other misc parts so I figured what the heck and swapped it out. That simple project made a night and day difference and now it's as soft as my '13 Cruze.

Good stuff man. Definitely had the sore calf and knee too. Cables gotta go.....

[cadillac_al]

I would unhook the springs first to see how easy it moves. It sounds like it has too stiff a spring on it.

[Valleycreek]

Originally Posted by cadillac_al

I would unhook the springs first to see how easy it moves. It sounds like it has too stiff a spring on it.

This is a good start. I had the same problem, was fine when unhooked. turns out the loop in the spring would ride along another piece of the carb., causing the resistance. I moved it to a different hole and problem solved. Hope it is that easy with you. Good luck.

[SourTooth307]

Originally Posted by cadillac_al

I would unhook the springs first to see how easy it moves. It sounds like it has too stiff a spring on it.

Good stuff, I'll have to check that out, I had a feeling that's where the problem might be. I gotta ask about the name Al, I'm a big Cadillac fanatic myself.....

[dfrank]

Originally Posted by SourTooth307

Good stuff, I'll have to check that out, I had a feeling that's where the problem might be. I gotta ask about the name Al, I'm a big Cadillac fanatic myself.....

I like caddilac's myself as well. As a matter of fact i demo derbyed both of mine lol. 88 caddy fleetwood and a 98 caddilac deville. Sorry for the thread jack.

[cadillac_al]

Originally Posted by SourTooth307

Good stuff, I'll have to check that out, I had a feeling that's where the problem might be. I gotta ask about the name Al, I'm a big Cadillac fanatic myself.....

Yeah I have always liked Caddys since high school and have had a few over the years. This is my name on the Cadillac forum and a few others too. It's just simpler for me to have the one screen name. I have been driving my black 78 Seville for 18 years now and my 77 Fleetwood for 3 years. I have a 70 deville convertible and 78 coupe on the back burner. Country living has its advantages when it comes to parking a fleet lol.