Sticking accelerator pedal

[daoust]

I have a 1947 Ford convertible. Every so often - it seems to be more after it's been driven a while - the accelerator pedal will not fully return after being released. This will cause the engine to idle higher than normal. When this happens, I have to get the sole of my shoe under the pedal to bring it all the way back up. I've looked at (and lubricated) all the linkages I can see but is there somewhere else it might be getting caught up. It doesn't always happen but very annoying when it does. Any insights appreciated. Thank you.

[19Fordy]

Is it getting hung up on the little rubber cushions under the floor board or possibly the edge of the floorboard pedal opening?

[daoust]

How do I access the rubber cushions under the floor board to check?

[TJ]

Another spot to check is your floor mat the rubber may may be causing the problem. Make sure there is plenty of clearance around where the pedal mounts to the floor.

[daoust]

Are there any linkages between the pedal itself and the carburetor that cannot be seen or aren't easily accessed?

[Kube]

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Originally Posted by daoust

Are there any linkages between the pedal itself and the carburetor that cannot be seen or aren't easily accessed?

Could be as simple as the throttle linkage spring is weak.

[19Fordy]

It's easy to check the floorboard bottom cushions that help keep air from entering.

If you have access to a lift, just raise the car up and look at the bottom of the floor board where the pedals come thru the floorboard. If you don't have a lift use jack stands and a jack to raise your car up so you can crawl underneath for visual inspection.

With your car on the ground, you could also lift up your floor matt and visually inspect the pedal travel. Very slowly depress your pedal and make sure nothing is impeding its travel. There is always the chance that your return springs are weak although, that is not common.

YOU CAN see the pedal cushions in the second photo. Car is a 40 Ford but, yours is the same idea.

Let us know how you make out.

[daoust]

Can the floorboard be removed or is that a cutting process?

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

It's easy to check the floorboard bottom cushions that help keep air from entering.

If you have access to a lift, just raise the car up and look at the bottom of the floor board where the pedals come thru the floorboard. If you don't have a lift use jack stands and a jack to raise your car up so you can crawl underneath for visual inspection.

With your car on the ground, you could also lift up your floor matt and visually inspect the pedal travel. Very slowly depress your pedal and make sure nothing is impeding its travel. There is always the chance that your return springs are weak although, that is not common.

YOU CAN see the pedal cushions in the second photo. Car is a 40 Ford but, yours is the same idea.

Let us know how you make out.

[19Fordy]

Floorboard is easily removed., Just slide the front seat all the way back and remove your floor mat if you have one. Then unscrew
the slotted screws and washers that secure the wooden floor board and dimmer switch screws. You may also have to loosen up and remove the screws that secure the sheet metal cover to the base of steering column. Floorboard is actually called the toe board. You'll then be able to see pedals and all the related parts.

[marko39]

disconnect linkage at firewall to narrow down where the problem is.

[19Fordy]

Marko's idea is a good one as you may have a wire or something interfering with the full actuation of the pedal/firewall spring.

[19Fordy]

I APOLOGIZE FOR THE MISINFORMATION RE: '47 FORD FLOOR BOARD REMOVAL.

Thank goodness "Kube" just let me know that:
" '47 has a one-piece metal (or aluminum) floorboard.
Pain in the butt to remove. "

[69a]

Removing the floorboard will achieve nothing.
It should be easy to find without removing anything.
If you can't find anything obvious, remove the linkage between firewall and carb. That will determine if it is in the carb, or between pedal and firewall linkage.
I did have that problem but I'm running two carbs. One of the linkages that connects the two carbs together had come slightly loose and was moving on the throttle shaft. Hooking my foot under the pedal and lifting it up would bring the idle speed back to normal..

[19Fordy]

Thank you "69A". Might be something very simple to fix.