Adjusting Throttle Linkage

[sp8]

Hi again!

I got some great information on my "getting spark" question but now I have run into another problem.

I have tried to get the accelerator pedal to work and I'm struggling with it. Sorry, I guess I should have told you that this is a 1965 BJ8 with HD8 SU carbs on it. It has mechanical linkage from the accelerator to the carbs. I can freely operate the carbs from inside the engine compartment and I can see all of the linkage working down to where it goes inside the people compartment. However, inside the accelerator acts as if it is seeing none of the action from the carbs. I will replace the springs that pull the carb back to the idle position but the accelerator peddle still feels very spongy and un-responsive. Is there some sort of adjustment that I have to make to the accelerator pedal linkage that will tighten up this response?

Thanks.

 

[Velox]

Hi sp8, sounds like your accelerator pedal shaft is loose at the throttle relay rod linkage. I was going thru my 66 BJ8 checking everything and one of the old hot rod items I was taught was make sure your pedal travel is fully opening your throttle at the carb - or FI or whatever. I put my pedal to the floor, well into the carpet furrow from the previous owner's heavy foot action, and at the engine was getting only about 40% travel at the carbs. I traced it down to the connection between the pedal rod where it comes through the body and attaches to the relay rod arm - study the picture below and/or go to Moss website or SCParts website and look under engine controls section www.scparts.co.uk/ and download, enlarge and study the diagrams and look in your Healey manuals. Search here for "linkage" and you will find tons of info. My problem was that the hold down bolt/nut had loosened and I was able to tighten it up even though the working space room there is very limited. Once tightened I then had full travel of the accelerator pedal transmitted fully to the carb linkage giving me 100% throttle. What you describe sounds very similar to what I had. I'm sure one of the regular experts here will respond, they check the forums nearly every day and their answers are incredibly helpful, and also run the search for linkage and you will get pointed in the right direction. Good luck!

 

[GregW]

Hi SP8,
I scanned this from one of my shop manuals. Maybe it can help. See attachment.

 

[sp8]

Thanks for the information. I am working night shifts and I haven't had a chance to try out these suggestions. Next days off I will give them a try. Thanks!