Okay, so yesterday I dispatched from our warehouse in the morning and began my drive into town (about 15 miles.) After about a mile I noticed that the accelerator pedal was a little stiff. It was running and driving and sounding normal, but it was hard to "make go." RPM was also normal.

Checked the oil, no signs of water, topped off while I was at it. Made an appointment with tranny guy and went this morning. He flushed and filtered me (was due anyways) and tightened some leaky cooler lines ($265). He said the test showed no problems and fluid looked great.

Have driven about 40 miles working today, getting up to speed but it feels like when I push the pedal, it's pushing back!! Like there is a ton of resistance. I have checked the throttle linkage and it operates fine by hand. Sprayed it with silicone just for kicks. Did notice a little squeaking (rubber ducky sound) when throttling by hand.

I don't know where to look next? Turbo? Lift pump? Has anyone experienced this before? I don't want to "get used to it". Could turn into something dangerous!?

 

Welcome to DTR Has anybody been into the pump recently? Stiff throttle can be the governor arm out of adjustment or a conservatively set AFC. Beyond that, there is a recall, I believe, on the throttle cable. Here's your bump to the top!

 

Thanks
The pump and AFC hasn't been touched in the 13 yrs I've owned it. Does have 310k miles though. Throttle cable was one thing I checked, looks fine but youre right it may be stretched, will call the dealer and see if I can still get replacement. Of all that you suggested, the governor arm sounds most likely because I have had to manually lift my solenoid to crank lately (replacement pending asap). Also because this came on all of a sudden. Drove 15 mi. to work and everything was normal. Then left the shop and pedal is suddenly hard ?!!
Will check governor adjustment tomorrow, hope its that simple.

 

I'd vote to at least clean/oil the shutdown solenoid. My pedal feels like what you are describing when the truck is off. Next time it happens pull over, pull up hard on the solenoid/lever and see if it gets any better.

 

x2! Double check the solenoid. Its probably not pulling up all the way, or its come loose and is holding the lever down partially at a awkward angle.

 

one of my 95's does that, but its from sitting & not being used. Everything seems to start stiffening up when I don't drive them for awhile. I've had to put a stiffer return spring on the throttle linkage.....

 

Thanks you guys
The solenoid does indeed have issues, but I found the problem. There was a bolt missing from the intake manifold. It was sitting pretty right beside the hole it goes in. Failing to suck enough air. Put it back in and also found the air filter was trying to suck into the turbo! replaced and it worked fine. Almost cost me another turbo, though!

Thanks again