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-   -   Accelerator Linkage Modification (https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=306990)

Dirtrack49 11-27-2021 08:54 PM

Accelerator Linkage Modification
 

I was checking my linkage for my accelerator the other day and found that I was not getting full throttle. That might explain why I am only getting 45 mph with the gas pedal to the floor on my 30' Town Sedan.

It looks like, if I were to bend the passenger side of the accelerator linkage to a more forward position, I could obtain full throttle. I also noticed, that the control rod from the accelerator linkage to the carburetor, is rubbing against the GAV shaft. It had some bend in it from the PO, in what appears to be an attempt to clear the two rods. This only aggravates the current problem due to the shortened control rod.

So my question is, would it be safe to try and bend the end of the accelerator shaft to move it not only forward, but outward to clear the GAV shaft?

Thanks for any and all input.

Tom L.

nkaminar 11-27-2021 09:16 PM

Re: Accelerator Linkage Modification
 

Most of the steel on early Ford cars is bendable cold. I have bent the same part in my car. My advice is to take the control rod off first then bend the accelerator shaft so that not only do you get full throttle but that the car will idle too. You can also buy a rod extension from Snyders to make the rod longer. See https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/p...9546&cat=41663

chrs1961815 11-27-2021 10:12 PM

Re: Accelerator Linkage Modification
 

A lot of cars have that problem. Get a length of tubing and slide it over the linkage arm and bend it in the direction you need it. You'll have to pull the choke rod as well.

Bill G 11-27-2021 10:27 PM

Re: Accelerator Linkage Modification
 

They are bendable, but take it slowly. If in doubt if it is opening the throttle of the carburetor all the way, disconnect the linkage at the carburetor throttle and open the throttle all the way by hand. While it is open, pull the linkage toward the open throttle lever and see if it does or does not reach. If it doesn't reach, that's how far you need to bend. Also, do bend it outward a bit if it rubs on the GAV rod.

Dirtrack49 11-28-2021 10:41 AM

Re: Accelerator Linkage Modification
 

Thanks everyone for the advice. I will give it a try.
My only concern, if I break the accelerator shaft, are there new ones available, or am I looking for a used one?

Thanks again,
Tom L.

Dennis Pereira 11-28-2021 10:48 AM

Re: Accelerator Linkage Modification
 

Check the accelerator bracket on the back of engine a lot of them are bent a little. This will cause problems getting the control rods to function proper.

chrs1961815 11-28-2021 04:05 PM

Re: Accelerator Linkage Modification
 

The accelerator linkage is forged and very strong. I don't think it would break unless you bent it back and forth a few hundred times.

Dirtrack49 11-28-2021 07:52 PM

Re: Accelerator Linkage Modification
 

With everyone's help and suggestions, I am now getting full throttle. Did not get a chance to take it out on the flats today, but got it going pretty good on a slight uphill. Makes a difference over all.

Instead of a pipe, I used a long socket on an extension to bend the end of the accelerator shaft.

Now I find I have another problem. The hand throttle will not hold in position. Never has done much of a good job to begin with. Has lots of movement before it starts to push the linkage, and when it does, the spring tension on the accelerator shaft has a tendency to return it back towards idle.

I will see if I can come up with something on the "search" venue and report back.

Any suggestions in the interim will be appreciated.

Thanks again for the help. :)

Tom L.

chrs1961815 11-28-2021 08:04 PM

Re: Accelerator Linkage Modification
 

The new problem you have is usually caused by the notches in the steering column quadrant being worn.

Big hammer 11-28-2021 08:07 PM

Re: Accelerator Linkage Modification
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrs1961815 (Post 2080398)
The new problem you have is usually caused by the notches in the steering column quadrant being worn.

And maybe weak old springs at the bottom of the column.

Dirtrack49 11-28-2021 09:48 PM

Re: Accelerator Linkage Modification
 

chrs1961815, that is what I was thinking. However, the quadrant that is on this car from the PO appears to be aftermarket junk. The notches are minimal at best.

Big hammer, that makes some sense.
Do the springs on the bottom of the column need to be strong enough to over come the accelerator shaft return spring? Or, am I missing something here?

Flathead 11-28-2021 11:02 PM

Re: Accelerator Linkage Modification
 

They hold the lever down tight against the quadrant notches.

alexiskai 11-29-2021 01:08 AM

Re: Accelerator Linkage Modification
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dirtrack49 (Post 2080395)
The hand throttle will not hold in position.

I had this problem on my '29 with a 7-tooth column. The quadrants are mounted on a ring that fits around the column and is held in place by screws on either side, but the holes around these screws had wallowed out, allowing the quadrant to slide down the column enough that the notches didn't hold the control rods in place.

I solved the problem by first getting the ring as far up the column as possible, and then drilling a small hole through the top of the ring into the column, being careful not to drill into the shaft. Then I screwed a tiny sheet metal screw into the hole to lock the ring down. The notches now hold the control rods in place very well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dirtrack49 (Post 2080395)
Has lots of movement before it starts to push the linkage

This can be caused by either or both of two issues. First, the lever arm at the bottom of the control rod may be at the wrong angle when the lever at the steering wheel is fully up. Second, the linkage rod connecting that arm to the bell crank may be the wrong length. You can adjust one or both of these so that the "up" setting on the throttle lever positions the bell crank just shy of the throttle arm. I have a video that illustrates this problem.

Dirtrack49 11-29-2021 10:57 AM

Re: Accelerator Linkage Modification
 

Flathead, that makes sense to me now.

alexiski, great explanation and video.

I will try and take a look at it today and report back my findings.


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