Hello!

Ever since I adjusted my throttle linkage so that I'm actually getting full throttle, I've noticed what I'd describe as a step in the throttle. If I slowly push the pedal to the floor, it feels normal for the first 1/4 of travel or so, then it feels like it's trying to overcome something, then it feels normal for the rest of the travel up to the kickdown switch.

I don't feel anything like this when moving the linkage from the engine side, so I'm guessing that it's something between the pedal itself and the rod going to the injector pump. Any suggestions on what to look for?

Also, and yes I know this has been asked before, but I don't remember a definitive answer, but what is recommended to use to lube the bal joints in the linkage? I remember once hearing that ATF works well, but then I think someone contradicted that...

Thanks!

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2001 VW Jetta TDI, 5 speed, daily driver
1991 Ford F-350, work in progress
1984 Ford F-250 4x4, 6.9l turbo diesel, 5 speed manual
Previous oilburners: 1980 IH Scout, 1984 E-350, 1985 M-B 300D, 1979 M-B 300SD, 1983 M-B 300D
Spark-free since 1999

For lubing the linkages I used grease. I popped them apart and used one of those little grease guns like you would use for the hinges on all the doors. Seems to have worked just fine and it doesn't run wash out as easy as ATF.

Can't figure anything about the "step" other than something hangs up a little maybe.

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1985 300D Turbo ~225k
2000 F350 (Powerstroke) 4X4, SWB, CC, SRW, 6spd ~148k
1999 International 4900, DT466e (250hp/660 ft/lbs), Allison MD3060 ~73k

For my 83SD, I observed two curved slots where the roller rides on the guide level for throttle travel. There is a rather large openning for the roller to rest when idle, and also provide travel when one push the manual stop. I can feel some resistance when going from the first slot (part throttle) to the second slot (more throttle to full throttle), because of the difference in the curvature.

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Shane83SD

Are you sure its not actually a broken "gas" pedal hinge? The plastic part will tear and make the pedal's action feel as if it is 'stepped.' Easy to check and a new pedal is only $10.

Mike

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'90 300SE 298k
-300K and it gets put into retirement.
'80 300D 255k Purchased new by family in 1980.

Had a:
1973 220 (gas)
1980 300SD
1992 400E

I feel the same thing in my throttle, but like the other gentleman said, i found it to be because of the difference in the curvature of the linkage on top of the valve cover.
The bushings riding this "curve" will also wear with time and cause the feeling to be more pronounced in addition to not giving you full throttle. Such was the case for me so I adjusted the throttle linkage in order to compensate for the wear to acheive full-throttle once again. I tried (not too hard) to get the bushings, but nobody had them that I could find.
Have fun, Adam