Classic/Antique Car Repair/"Sticky" Throttle ..

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Expert: - 3/23/2008


Question
Hello, I've recently started noticing on my 1970 Dodge Challenger (which I keep stored most of the year), that the throttle seems to be sticking a bit when I  start up the car. The normal idle is about 900 rpm (it's a 440 engine and 4-bbl carb), but lately it will sometimes run up to about 2000 rpms until I give the accelerator pedal at good tap one time to get it to slow down its idle.

It rarely does this after it's in use, but if the idle doesn't come down all the way to normal after I slow down or  stop at a light, I again tap the pedal and this "un-sticks" the throttle.

Is the fix as simple as spraying oil on the spring that holds the accelerator cable at the carb? Or does this sound like it will need a new throttle cable or ??

Thanks much for any advice on this!  

Answer
It sounds like it could be the fast idle cam on the side of the carburetor sticking. It is part of the choke linkage. I would get a can of carburetor and choke cleaner and spray down the linkage on the side of the carburetor. Do not use oil on these linkage pieces as oil will pick up dirt and make them stick worse. Try that and let me know.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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