3 replies to this topic

[iwatkins]

Hi All,

Stripping out the Mini today in preparation for adding the new interior carpets, door card, parcel shelf and dash.

While under the dash I could see how much slack there was in the throttle cable. Always wondered why the accelerator pedal was much lower than the brake (too much to heal and toe). And now I know.

I measured about 1.5inches of slack before pressing the pedal actually starts to move the spindle on the carb. So with the carpet in I assume I was never getting full throttle, which would explain why the car has been so gutless no matter how careful I've been tuning it.

Haynes says adjust so there is a little slack but any clues to how much?

Car has been like this since we got it, so looking forward to seeing what full throttle feels like.

Cheers

Ian

[jimnali]

The design of the accelerator linkage is atrocious! Can hardly believe that Leyland left it like this for so long!

There has to be some slack in the cable but if you have too much the carb butterfly will never open fully and you won't be able to get full power. Too little slack and you will strain the cable (and probably the carb).

I suggest that, you do the following:
1. Slacken the cable at the carb
2. Either get a friend to press the accelerator pedal to the floor or use a piece of wood against the seat to hold it down.
3. Rotate the carb mechanism until the butterfly is fully open
4. Pull the cable through mechanism to take up all slack then retighten.

Good luck

Edited by jimnali, 13 April 2013 - 08:06 PM.

[A-Cell]

What's atrocious about it? It's just a simple mechanical system. One big lever (pedal) linked to smaller lever(butterfly) by a cable.
It's worked perfectly on cars since time immemorial!

[iwatkins]

Thanks, will adjust tomorrow and see what a difference it makes.

Cheers

Ian