Welcome to Mustang Evolution.
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06-28-2007, 02:58 AM
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#1
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Taking Up Slack In Accelerator Pedal
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needs a job
Join Date: Jun 2007
City: South of the Turnpike
State: New York
Posts: 393
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If you've noticed there's some slack in the accelerator pedal. An old solution was to insert a nylon spacer under the dash on the cable in front of the arm on the pedal. Well I placed some thick rubber hose on (it was all I had) and all was fine and dandy until the other day when I felt the response was lagging a bit. Reached below noticed the hose was coming off (pushed off by the pedal) and when I got home to fix it couldn't find where it went. So today I went to go look in the daylight still couldn't find it and spent some time figuring out what to do. I popped the hood and was looking at what can be done. I unhooked the cable from the throttle and wrapped it around the lower arm once and reconnect it. Well it took up all the slack, but since I didn't drive it right after I am wondering if this is hurting much. That's where my question lies. Does anyone see a problem with what I did. I gave it some gas both under the hood and with the pedal and everything seems to be Okay, that is nothing is getting tangled or limited. So feedback?
I'll add two photos so you can get a look. Sorry for poor quality it was done with my phone. |
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06-28-2007, 05:00 AM
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#2
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Re: Taking Up Slack In Accelerator Pedal
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Eyes So Tight I Pass For An Asian
Join Date: May 2003
City: Huntsville
State: Alabama
Posts: 27,312
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Interesting approach. Does it move any (slip) when it is close to WOT? |
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06-28-2007, 09:37 AM
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#3
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Re: Taking Up Slack In Accelerator Pedal
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Imma Ho...
Join Date: Aug 2004
City: Baton Rouge
State: Louisiana
Posts: 10,072
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It is an interesting approach. Let us know how it works during actual driving. I would think it would change the geometry of the system, but it might not make any difference. I am especially interested in this since I have the same problem right now and planned to apply the nylon spacer fix (see the "Best way to adjust throttle" thread).
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06-28-2007, 11:22 AM
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#4
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Re: Taking Up Slack In Accelerator Pedal
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WTF^^...
Join Date: May 2003
City: Hoover / Florence
State: Alabama
Posts: 27,248
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If when you push your gas petal down the TB is open fully then you dont need to take up any slack as it will just stretch back out.
__________________
2003 REDFIRE COBRA #3938 of 5082 @ 05/27/2003 1 of 414
MGW Shifter, Stingers, JLT, SS Inserts, MM FLSFC & CC Plates, SS Lines, H&R Race springs, IRS Brace, MRT Hood Struts
ME.com Member #29 - 400rwhp/380rwtq
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06-28-2007, 12:25 PM
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#5
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Re: Taking Up Slack In Accelerator Pedal
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Imma Ho...
Join Date: Aug 2004
City: Baton Rouge
State: Louisiana
Posts: 10,072
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I don't have to worry about that because I know mine doesn't open fully. 
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06-28-2007, 03:10 PM
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#6
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Re: Taking Up Slack In Accelerator Pedal
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needs a job
Join Date: Jun 2007
City: South of the Turnpike
State: New York
Posts: 393
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Sorry I'm still a bit of a novice here. What do you mean by WOT Brent? 
The geometry I'm sure changes, but looking at it and feeling it seems to make no difference. It's still in that little guide and instead of pulling on the original space where it is now, it's pulling in that little slot which would probably make it more responsive, no? Since it is still hooked onto the original spot I feel the tension would still get to there.
It wasn't so much the throttle wasn't opening but the response of it. You have about an inch of slack inside and probably another half or so in the slot. By the time the throttle is opening the pedal is starting to hit carpet. Besides even if it didn't do much in the long run I prefer it this way. Car just feels more alive I guess.
Anyway I'll be heading out shortly and when I return tonight I'll let you all know of any problems or such. |
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06-28-2007, 03:25 PM
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#7
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Re: Taking Up Slack In Accelerator Pedal
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Eyes So Tight I Pass For An Asian
Join Date: May 2003
City: Huntsville
State: Alabama
Posts: 27,312
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06-28-2007, 07:20 PM
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#8
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Re: Taking Up Slack In Accelerator Pedal
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needs a job
Join Date: Jun 2007
City: South of the Turnpike
State: New York
Posts: 393
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Sorry folks no report tonight. It's been pouring here so it's not worth it to go out. I'll be out this tomorrow so I'll give my report.
I did get to test the throttle before it poured however, again under the hood and on the pedal, and all seems to be well. I didn't notice any slip. I am anxious to go out though so I can get in some local driving and highway driving to see if it does anything.
Oh and WOT = Wide Open Throttle. Yeah I feel smart. lol |
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06-28-2007, 07:26 PM
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#9
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Re: Taking Up Slack In Accelerator Pedal
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Imma Ho...
Join Date: Aug 2004
City: Baton Rouge
State: Louisiana
Posts: 10,072
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Well...I guess that is better than feeling pretty... 
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06-30-2007, 01:22 AM
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#10
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Re: Taking Up Slack In Accelerator Pedal
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needs a job
Join Date: Jun 2007
City: South of the Turnpike
State: New York
Posts: 393
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Well here's my report. Somewhat short however.
Pulling out of my driveway I was careful not to use it since I know it's going to be more sensitive and it was. As I headed down my block it even felt different from the rubber hose. I guess the best way to explain it was that rubber gave it a cushioning, nothing bad, but now without that cushion I feel like I can feel that throttle so much better. I feel as if it reacts the way I do; inch for inch with my foot. I have a nice long straight away by my house which runs next to the parkway. I was hoping this would be a good test area (as long as I hit it at the right time of day). Unfortunately I hit it at the wrong time since that nice long straight away had cars parked along making turning into traffic a chore. So when that happens I do what I always do. Gas it and hope if anyone's there they slow down (I know it sounds unsafe and bad driving but it's unavoidable, even the best of drivers do what I do). And so I did. With a screech got onto the road, looking in my mirror to make sure the cost was clear and let off the gas a little as i went from right lane to left. Potential I knew, but in that situation it was hard to really judge.
As I got to the end of the straight away I hoped onto the parkway. Perfect test since the on ramp is only a car length or two to get on. After that a short patch of grass and a brick wall holding up the overpass. Great place to get up to speed quick. Again, firmly I gassed it. 1st Gear lasted all but 2 seconds. Feeling the hard shift I eased up to catch everything and make it smoother. I never like going through gears like that. Acceleration isn't smooth. As long as it's not important at the time, I'd wait the few seconds to go through gears for the smoother ride. I should have probably already mentioned I do drive an automatic so going through those gears I should expect it to be a little rough.
Anyway as soon as I get on the highway I keep it at a steady 70. Looking for stability. So far so good. I get off onto another busy/hard to get onto road. Confidence in my experiment, and without a screech I pull onto the road and I'm almost immediately up to speed limit (~40mph). Now I have a few lights and stop and go traffic. A good test for durability.
I arrive at the mall and while I was waiting for my girlfriend I popped the hood to check the line and it all looked fine.
I'm hoping this will all go well. Worse comes to worse I buy the spacer. Big whoop. If all of you would like me to keep an update, I'll be glad to do it. I'd also like to see what others think of this version. (This was a 98 3.8). I apologize if this is too report-ish like, I'm used to writing reports for another forum.
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"At the age of six I wanted to be a cook. At seven I wanted to be Napoleon. And my ambition has been growing steadily ever since. There are some days when I think I'm going to die from an overdose of satisfaction."
~ Salvador Dali
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08-01-2007, 03:03 AM
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#11
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Re: Taking Up Slack In Accelerator Pedal
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needs a job
Join Date: Jun 2007
City: South of the Turnpike
State: New York
Posts: 393
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Just thought I'd follow up. After a month of use between city and highway driving I have had no problems with this "mod". Car is still responsive and there is still no slack.
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"At the age of six I wanted to be a cook. At seven I wanted to be Napoleon. And my ambition has been growing steadily ever since. There are some days when I think I'm going to die from an overdose of satisfaction."
~ Salvador Dali
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08-01-2007, 06:12 AM
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#12
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Re: Taking Up Slack In Accelerator Pedal
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Pizza Lover
Join Date: Aug 2003
City: Arlington
State: Virginia
Posts: 7,496
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i found it kinda comical that you asked what it meant and came close to saying it several times in the same post lol.
internet lingo ftw!
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Don't knock me, I used to have a Mustang.
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08-01-2007, 03:33 PM
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#13
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Re: Taking Up Slack In Accelerator Pedal
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needs a job
Join Date: Jun 2007
City: South of the Turnpike
State: New York
Posts: 393
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Yeah at the last minute I realized what WOT was and I still wasn't 100% sure.
If only you knew how long it took me to figure out FTW 
__________________
"At the age of six I wanted to be a cook. At seven I wanted to be Napoleon. And my ambition has been growing steadily ever since. There are some days when I think I'm going to die from an overdose of satisfaction."
~ Salvador Dali
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10-12-2007, 10:48 PM
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#14
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Re: Taking Up Slack In Accelerator Pedal
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Blue 98 V6 w/ Pony Package
Join Date: Oct 2007
City: Revere
State: Massachusetts
Posts: 12
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This forum is great! Now i have something to do tomorrow, haha 
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1998 Mustang, Blue, V6, Pony package... MTX 1000 watt 2 channel amp with the ****tiest sub, hopefully upgrading to two 12 inch JL audio subs very very verry soon..2.25 flowmaster muffler..would have a dual setup if i wasnt paying college off... CAI that i'm too dumb to put in myself... yeah i'm real proud of myself! 
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10-15-2007, 12:47 PM
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#15
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Re: Taking Up Slack In Accelerator Pedal
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Deranged
Join Date: Jan 2005
City: Largo
State: Florida
Posts: 6,310
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Found another method
1" hollow nylon spacer or some stiff plastic tubing
2 small hose clamps (for testing/temporary use, zip ties work great!)
Utility Knife (Exacto Knife)
Flat head screwdriver
using about a length about one and a quarter inch (1 1/4") long to take up all the slack. The result is a very touchy gas pedal, the less slack taken up the more throttle play you will have. You may want to make a slight change to the length after you give this mod a try. Zip ties are useful because they are easy to put on and cut off, but I would use the hose clamps as a permanent solution for when you decide on a length because zip ties could slide/move.
First, slice along the length of one side of the spacer so you are able to slide it over the throttle cable. Next, squeeze yourself into the floor so you can see the top of your pedal, where the cable links to the pedal arm*. Lift the gas pedal, this should cause the slack in the cable to become very apparent. slide the spacer over the cable. The spacer should now be butting up against the cable's end cap, the pedal arm and holding the cable out. Use you fasteners (whether you are using the zip ties or the hose clamps) and fasten one near each end of the spacer. Make sure everything is secure, and...
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Mods-MAc CAI , True Dual Flowmaster 40,3.73 ,T-Lok, 25% UDP, 3/8 Phenolic Intake Spacer ,Steeda Tri-ax, SCT Chip/ Tune
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10-15-2007, 12:53 PM
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#16
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Re: Taking Up Slack In Accelerator Pedal
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Not so green anymore
Join Date: May 2003
City: Canonsburg, PA; Aberdeen, MD
State: Pennsylvania
Posts: 613
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That's what he did originally but he used rubber hose instead. The nylon spacer is the method I used in both of my mustangs.
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-Denver
2002 Mineral Grey GT, 5-speed: MGW short throw, JLT CAI
2002 Electric Green V6, Auto: SOLD
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10-15-2007, 01:07 PM
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#17
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Re: Taking Up Slack In Accelerator Pedal
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Deranged
Join Date: Jan 2005
City: Largo
State: Florida
Posts: 6,310
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Yeah that will make a huge Difference using the rubber method
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Mods-MAc CAI , True Dual Flowmaster 40,3.73 ,T-Lok, 25% UDP, 3/8 Phenolic Intake Spacer ,Steeda Tri-ax, SCT Chip/ Tune
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