Hopefully these problems are separate....
 

I'm pretty sure these are separate problems, but I need some help. Oh, by the way, '88 3.2 litre.

First, when I press my throttle pedal past 3/4 full to 4/4 full throttle, everything feels fine. Maybe the pedal feels alittle heavy, but fine. When I release the throttle pedal, it seems to get notchy or sticky at exactly 1/2 open. Very seldom is the throttle travel sticky while pushing the pedal past 1/2 open, but 8 times out of 10, the throttle is notchy coming back.

Is there anything I can lubricate near the bellcrank? Any ideas?


Second, ever since I found my Oxygen sensor (O2) disconnected and reconnected it, the engine seems to go alittle flat inbetween 3000 to 4200 rpm. I think I have read something similar to this before, but I just wanted some opinions.

I purchased a Steve Wong chip, but have not installed it yet. Hopefully this, a new O2 sensor and a cat by-pass will get rid of this flat spot?

Thank you for your time

Sticking Pedal: have you eliminated the obvious (like the floor mat getting in the way)?
Wong Chip: I love mine. Did you tell Steve that you are going to be using a cat bypass? Different exhaust setups and octane use will affect how he maps the chip.

Unfortunately, yes, the some of the obvious things have been eliminated. No floor mats, no carpet interference. With the engine off and sitting in its garage, I can actually hear a clicking as I release the pedal.

Yes, the chip is for a bypass and 91 octane. I'm pretty excited for it myself, but I think I need to resolve this throttle travel issue first.

Thanks

bump

Weaver, The linkage runs out of the tunnel and connects to another bellcrank on the transmission(drivers side). You might want to check that one as well and make sure it's not damaged from road debris etc. You will need to get the car on some good jackstands to do this but you should have a good view of the rest of the linkage once you are under there. Another thing to check is that you have both throttle return springs working correctly. They are located in the engine compartment. One is in plain view on the top and the other is down inbetween the intake plenum. If you need a picture let me know.

Cheers, James

Weaver, My cruise control cable came off the mount once and interfered with the throttle body, might want to check that. Have someone operate the pedal while you look around, it is a very simple mechanism.

Weaver,

If you accelerate a little heavy through that range does it feel less flat or go away but really flat when you accelerate slowly? If so than your flat spot may be one or both of the following: O2 sensor needs to be replaced and AFM needs to be adjusted.

As for the cable sticking check the bell crank bushings. Also since you're down under there check to make sure your getting full open throttle from your linkage adjustment. A good percentage of cars aren't adjusted correctly and never have wide open throttle due to out of adjustment of the linkage.

James, that would be great if you had a pic availible. Thank you for you reply.

Dan, Its a slight flat spot. I have a new oem O2 sensor ready to put in. I plan on adjusting full throttle while I'm down there this weekend. It doesn't seem to hard to do, is it? Thank you for your reply.

Toolman, is it cool to run the engine with the cruise cable disconnected and stowed away from the throttle body? Thanks for your reply.


Weaver

Weaver,

Adjustment is not hard. You have someone/something push on the gas pedal and push it to the floor. Then you look at the throttle stop and linkage in the engine compartment and see if you are resting on the stop on the throttle body. If you aren't and can manual open the throttle farther then you need to adjust the linkage. You need someone/something to hold open the throttle all the way after you pop off the lingage from the ballcock pivot. You then just lengthen/shorten the linkage by screwing the end of the cable and pop it back on.

Don't forget to have the AFM adjusted after you replace the O2 sensor.

What is the best way of getting to the throttle return spring that is inbetween the plenum?

Thanks

Update........if anyone wanted to know......

Sticky throttle return......bent cruise control cable.
As the throttle was returning to the close position, the cruise cable is pulled out of the outer casing, and it had a pretty sharp bend in the metal wire. It just didn't want to come thru the small case. Off came the cable, perfect pedal feel. The bellcranks and spings were fine.

Flat spot at 3000 to 4100 rpm......gone. New O2 sensor and cat-bypass.
My God! does this engine feel better without that cat on it! Too bad its wet here tonight in Indy, cause this thing now wants to accelerate. It idles smoother with a new O2 sensor also, feels worlds different.

Probable going to drive it like this a few more weeks until the Steve W. chip goes in.

Thank you for everyones input and replies.

Awesome!

Here's some ideas you could check:

http://www.dietersmotorsports.com/tech/1999/8-99.html

http://www.dietersmotorsports.com/tech/2002/7-2002.htm

good luck!

Weaver,

That's great news. It's amazing how good you feel when you solve a problem like this and have positive results. Don't forget to check and make sure you have a good adjustment on the throttle linkage and are getting full wide open throttle like Steve W suggests. It's quick and easy and you'll be amazed at the difference if you find you aren't getting it. I'd also still have the AFM checked and adjusted. Enjoy!