Help!! 1976 MB 450SL I went to drive my MB to work and the throttle stuck WIDE OPEN. Thrilling ride while trying to get to a safe stop and was able to turn off the ignition. I checked all the linkages and although stiff seem to activate ok (not smooth, just ok). Consulted 'Haynes' manual and checked for return spring and WD-40'd the linkages. Removed carpet - throttle still sticks. Does anyone know other causes for this? I can lift the accelerator pedal with my foot to "unstick" it but it's not much fun starting the car while not knowing if it's going to start okay, or go to 6000 RPM or so before I get it under control again. Any ideas??

Get a friend to assist you in this project. Than remove the air cleaner housing for careful inspection of the throttle linkage areas.Carefully inspect the area immediate to the gas pedal and have your assistant simulate acceleration while you view the movements of the related linkages from the firewall forward. Limit the action with the pedal by slowly depressing and then releasing. There is a problem and it could be as simple as lubricating the balls at opposite ends of the different linkages. Below is something I have tried with great success. Before you apply the SIL-GLYDE clean the surfaces completely!!!
SIL-GLYDE from NAPA stores is probably the best thus far for this application. It has all the desirable properties,
non-melting,non-freezing,non-gumming,weatherproof,effective from -20* to +600*F and harmless to rubber. The best method
for applying would be from the 4oz. tube brushed on and than on a regular basis every six to twelve months. This stuff is great on all rubber seals to doors, trunk and engine compartment. All rubber bushings, speedometer cables, brake pads, calipers etc. etc.!!! I can`t say enough for this product so see for yourself.

Thanks RT, I'll give SIL-GLYDE a shot. I tried WD-40 and it helped some but still too exciting for me. The S-G sounds like a great thing to have in the box for general purpose use.

RubyTuesday - while I do not question how good you say the product is you could not pay me to put it on my brakepads. This statement could be taken wrong .

I am going to go to the NAPA store to pick some up and check it out on your recommendation.

Jim
'95 E320
'97 Honda CRV

If it sticks while you are driving, my friend's '80 450 SEL, had the same problem. While driving, every push of the pedal required a lifting of the pedal from behind. I do not know the answer, but the tech replaced a gizmo relating to the idle control, it was not a linkage problem. Hopefully a tech will chime in.

In 1995, I was replacing my trusty 116 450SEL 1980 intake manifold gasket. When I was consulting with the Mercedes mechanic that does all of my work that I can't or won't do he strongly recommended R&R of the plastic guide(s) and bushings (probably called something else). In my car they look like they were originally white/yellow but had turned brownish. He stated that there was a new material out (black in color) that they were replacing the old ones with, and it was highly recomended. He said that when they fail (break, shatter) throttle control becomes iffy. When i pulled it apart it disintegrated.

It is a ball shaped about an inch in diameter.

Just my 2 cents worth. Be safe.

I met a lady at the Annapolis, MD dealership last week who had her 500sl go full throttle through a congested area. She woundup in a parking lot turning a 100+ finally putting the trans in neutral and then killing the ignition after stopping. Ugh. The living dead. don't drink with them. It's very bad luck.

Cheers,
J.R.

__________________
S, J.R. Brown
2000 G500 LWB Obsedian Black
2005 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab Off Road Sport
1993 Volvo 240 Sedan Anthracite
1980 450SEL Champange (owned it for 15 years. Great car)
1986 280GE LWB Anthracite (Sold it and kinda wish I hadn't)