Another 348 sticky throttle pedal

Don't know if it's just the cold weather but the last few times I've taken my 348 out the throttle has been sticking open at various points, but usually sorts itself out when it's thoroughly warmed up. Happened again today only this time it was a bit more scary when it stuck a 6500 rpm after an overtake!

I've done a search of the forums for solutions already and checked the linkages in the engine bay (they're fine) and had a good attempt at cleaning and lubricating the pedal with some WD40, but it's still sticking. Judging from the movement of the pedal it looks like the problem is at the linkage the other side of the firewall, but I have no idea how to get to it. Does the car need to go up on ramps and have the bottom tray removed to access it? I'm quite happy to get my hands dirty if it can be done on the drive with just a set of drive-on ramps to raise the front a foot or so. If it needs full access then I'll leave it to my mechanic.

Any advice appreciated

 

All throttle-related mechanisms are accessable (I use the term loosely) from above. First remove the inner kick panel on the passenger side of the car to gain access to the throttle lever. You can disconnect the throttle cable there. Do that and check to see if it's the pedal. Probably not. Then disconnect the throttle cable at the engine. You'll see it on the linkage at the back of the plenums. Operate the linkage by hand so the cable can be slid out of the linkage without changing the adjustment. Once that's done, operate the cable by hand to see if the stick is there. Probably is. You'll probably need to replace the throttle cable. It is housed in a small tube that runs down the hump, gets a little water in it and rusts. That's where the stickage usually comes. Also, check you ankle joint. Maybe it's your foot!

 

Here you go dude!
http://www.myferrari.page.tl/348-Sticky-Throttle.htm?PHPSESSID=8ec417b1eedc95abedefce3b442505fa

 

Not a floor mat getting stuck under the pedal perhaps?

 

Thanks for the replies folks

No, Pap, it's not the floor mat - first thing I checked

Also forgot to say it's a RHD car, which means removing the kick plate won't work

 

I had a sticking throttle problem on my 355. Some penetrating oil on the throttle return spring cured it.

 

The kickplate on the passenger side doesn't come out?

 

Ok, so that rules out "Italian cruise control"!

I actually removed the plastic trim around the accel pedal once before and sprayed some lubricant up the cable. I had a pic somewhere, but cant seem to find it now.

But doing that, freed the cable up a lot. I had a rag underneath the cable to catch all the excess overspray of WD-40.
If I find the pic, I will post it mate. But dont hold your breath.

 

It probably does, but the linkage is different.

This page http://www.ricambiamerica.com/parts_catalogs.php?M=FE&P=&V=diag&I=3094 shows how the pedal linkage is set up on a RHD car. The connecting rod (part no. 30) is attached to the throttle pedal and disappears forward towards the front of the car through the main firewall, NOT sideways through the kickplate as on LHD cars.

Here's a pic I've just taken (having braved the snow outside and yes, I do need new overmats!)
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Just fixed mine today (rhd).If you pull the carpet up around the pedals you will see a plastic cover secured by 2 10mm nuts, undo these and remove cover and you will see a elbow/ 90 degree shaped pivot which the rod goes to from the throttle pedal.Mine just needed alittle wd40 and removal of gravel etc from under the pedal

 

Thats it boys. Spray some WD-40 up in there and that oughta do the trick.

 

Finally, a clear day in my diary and good weather! Throttle pedal is now sorted courtesy and the letters W and D and the number 40 Also took the opportunity to fit my Hill Engineering pedals that have been gathering dust since Christmas

Thanks for all the help and suggestions folks!

 

Excellent Pete!! Great to hear!

Yes, those Hill pedals are very very nice.

I never did find that pic. Oh well, time to lube it up again and take some more pics for the boys!