Teflon coated accelerator cable.

[firept]

I had noticed that occasionally when trying to just tickle the accelerator when trying to move slowly the normal cable would be a bit sticky and could be a bit embarrassing. 
So I have just fitted a mountain bike gear cable, its a stainless steel cable inner that came coated in Teflon also the inner sleeve is Teflon.
Just machined up a couple of brass ferrules for each end to fit the bulkhead end and the carb end.

Not tried it on the road yet but it does feel very smooth. not bad for £8.00 (if it works).

[richard1]

Sounds like something to try.

thanks

[firept]

Went for a lovely drive through the Autumn countryside this morning.

The new cable worked well and was really smooth... only problem was that where you could get the cable to 'stick' at about 45-50 mph it wont any more so I'll probably get cramp in the right foot now!

[limby2000]

The late mini mpi,s had a return spring on the accellerator pedal, perhaps something like that could help.

[notamini]

That return spring could even improve gas mileage. More so than a slick cable... heavy on the foot?

[firept]

Thank you all for the suggestions.

No real problems with the old albeit new accelerator cable after the rebuild, it was just that when trying to move slowly such as when moving around an arena or display area at a show it was quite 'jerky' and not smooth to the foot.

Having now replaced with the Teflon version (which is much cheaper) it has transformed the feel.  I don't have a 'divers boot' for a right foot when you are used to diving on allowance per mile you get used to just caressing the throttle. 
I still think the throttle response is wrong yes its cheap and simple but it could do with being more progressive or logarithmic in its application i.e more travel for less revs at the bottom end getting to more like 1:1 at the top end, so some sort of snail cam to drive the accelerator linkage a bit like the choke cam. 

[richard1]

Tarija and Santa Cruz, Bolivia


Thanks for the idea. I went to a local guy who makes these for cars, trucks, and busses and had one made. Didn't have the length with me, so I had it made long and without pressing the second end on yet. Cost $17.

[notamini]

I do like the cam idea. Most of my cars, regardless of make, have had unacceptable throttles in my opinion. Some stick for the first 10% and others are way too sloppy causing over acceleration when not necessary. I also find the back pressure important if you are expecting to travel a long distance or a long time. Your foot and leg get tired.

[firept]

Hi Richard.
That looks good.

I went into my local Bike shop and bought a set of 'gear cables' they came with Teflon inner sleeve and the cable which was stainless was also coated in Teflon.
there is probably enough to make about 4 throttle cables. I did have to machine up the brass ends to fit the bulkhead and the carb end.

Notamini.
I quite agree with regard the back pressure or return spring on the throttle,  I often find with the new cars where its 'fly by wire' throttle there is almost no back pressure or return spring force and can lead to cramp, OK they have cruse control but on our roads there is limited opportunity to use it I find.

Paul.
 

 

[notamini]

Here we have many roads which could accommodate cruise control but the traffic is so heavy that speeds fluctuate too much for that. Unless we are travelling the northern cross country highways, I find it useless. Besides, I don't like that feeling of less control. It sometimes makes me just too uneasy.