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MG MGB Technical - Sticky accelerator pedel

Hey all, 1973 MGB with dual SU's, as normal. When I first step on the gas pedal it "sticks". This causes me to rev the motor to overcome the "sticky" part. Once under way, everything works fine, it only seems to be coming off "rest".

Everything is clean and seems well adjusted under the hood, should I just start with replacing the cable? I was told by another enthusiast that teflon lined bicycle brake cables work better tha nthe ones from the usual susspects. Any comments? Thanks, Tom
Thomas McNamara

no find out what's wrong first or you could be changing good parts (and possibly for poorer quality modern made parts)

see other threads here and in the Archive for ideas

you put everything is clean which is good but seems well adjusted is of course vague

it's too hot over here to be thinking for me so unless a more knowledgeable persons replies I'd suggest you put up a good quality photos of your carbs and linkages with the air filters fitted and not fitted and at different angles to cover the vacuum, breather pipes, etc. etc.

Nigel Atkins

If, after the tests Nigel recommends, you still have sticking, definitely try thr cable.

Herb
Herb Adler

Have a look up under the footwell where the cable goes through into the engine compartment - sometimes a little grease just there stops the sticking.
Chris at Octarine Services

after the bit about it being clean I meant to put is everything lubricated (but I forgot), cable end as Chris put and carb linkage (and dashpots oiled and pistons edges dry)

could just be a frayed inner cable - and could be a lot of things

details of lubrication are in the Driver's Handbook of course - (nearest one for your car - http://brooklandsbooks.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&path=12_138_709&product_id=546
Nigel Atkins

When I removed my inner to lubricate it I found broken strands, so I replaced it. In doing that I found the guide at the pedal end broken as well, which allowed the cable to flop over, so replaced that as well.
Paul Hunt

I'm afraid I must get on the hobby horse!! My recently acquired V8GT has a pretty tatty throttle cable so I bought a new one. It's exactly as Thomas described. The old tatty thing works better!!!
Allan Reeling

Pull the cable out and inspect - easy job. Check the pedal pivot,ferrules for wear, etc. A frayed cable can be a real problem as I have found out at the end of the main straight at Sandown!
Mike
Mike Ellsmore

But before you take the cable out make sure you either have a replacement or a means of getting to a shop to get one :)

Bernie
B Anderson

The back brake cable off your bike should be long enough - but then you won't be able to pedal off to the spares shop to get another one... :(

Mike
Mike Standring

This thread was discussed between 08/07/2013 and 15/07/2013

MG MGB Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGB Technical BBS is active now.