there seems to be a certain pressure i put on the pedal where it will just stay at that same spot. to 'disengauge' it when i need or want to i give it an easy rev and the pedal clicks back to zero smoothly. is this some kind of cruise control ive found or a common thing that happens?
I am not sure that these cars ever came from the factory with cruise control. There were aftermarket units at the time. The accelerator cable sleeve should just be a straight shot from the pedal to the bracket on the manifold, with the cable being exposed at that point on its way to the carb linkage. If you have anything else up there by the carb, perhaps someone added cruise control. I think it unlikely. My thought here is that your accelerator cable is hanging up in its sleeve... not a good thing. You do not want the carb hanging open. I would try lubing it with a bit of spray lithium grease, and see if it operates more smoothly. Spray a bit in each end of the cable and work it back and forth. After all this time, the spring on the cable might be weak, too. I have always added a secondary spring to my carburated cars to prevent the throttle from sticking wide open. There usually is a hole near the bottom of the carb linkage where you can add a medium-weight spring and connect it at some point on the manifold. Just make sure it doesn't bind in its travel. I typical make them so that it doesn't even pull on the spring until about half throttle. This keeps the gas pedal light until that point, and acts as a little reminder that you don't need to stand on the gas all the time.
i had one do that and it was some sticking/binding linkage on the other side of the carb. from the throttle linkage... take the acl. cable loose and lube it. ...:Handshake...
And check out the goofy sheet metal bracket that the gas pedal pivots on, that's where mine used to bind.
firstly. i was wasnt serious in believing that i discovered a cruise control in my mav. (although it strangley seems to work...im not happy with it) ill try and take the advices here and see what i can do to fix it. although the terms "carb linkage" and "throttle linkage" are new to me. im still learning. if anyone has photos of this would be great. or is it easy to see once i get under the hood/car? thanks for the start on working on my dilema.
Before you go very far check to see if your curb idle solenoid is properly adjusted. If it is adjust to hold the throttle open too far it will be a cruise control that will kick off with a quick pedal release.
Good suggestion Paul ... mine has had a Holley 4 barrel on it so long that I forgot about those solenoids entirely. It would be a great idea to buy a Chiltons or Haynes repair manual. I prefer Chiltons. You might have some luck finding one on eBay. They help tremendously when trying to visualize a repair before you dive into it.
