sticking throttle cable

Ever since I've owned this '97 Rodeo LS with the V6, the gas pedal needed a little punch to get past a sticking point just as you first depressed the pedal. It took just a little extra effort, only once a day, to kind of break free first thing in the morning. Annoying, but not a major issue. I just made sure I had it taken care of while in neutral in the driveway, instead of accidentally gunning it and hitting someone.

Lately, however, it has become harder to depress the pedal, and sometimes the throttle will stay open longer after removing pressure from the gas pedal. Long and short of it...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v380/surferfletch/throttlecable.jpg

That little black dust boot at the end of the cable is really soft and rubbery. It has turned into a gooey substance which has coated the end of the cable. I removed it, cleaned the black goo off, and lubed it all with white lithium grease.

Hope this helps someone.

Oh yeah, this happened to me and I felt like a genius at work for figuring it out with the help of this forum. (I'm a computer dork in a squadron full of B-52 mechanics! :D :D :D )

I'd been wondering if I was the only one this happened to... I thought my engine was running especially hot or something, as I no longer have an operational temp guage!!

I've heard it's happened to quite a few folks over time. I just pulled the darned thing off completely and didn't bother about replacing it. I figured dust was the least of my throttling problems. It's run great ever since (3 months now).

I think a lot of times those rubber cable boot break down & get all soft & gooey due to exposure to petroleum based lubes, heat & air. This then causes the cable to hang up on the mushy boot. This is another one of those instances when you should only use a non-petroleum based lube, like silglyde, or any silicone grease.
G/luck
Joel

I think a lot of times those rubber cable boot break down & get all soft & gooey due to exposure to petroleum based lubes, heat & air. This then causes the cable to hang up on the mushy boot. This is another one of those instances when you should only use a non-petroleum based lube, like silglyde, or any silicone grease.
G/luck
Joel

SO, is this a case of persons using the wrong lube after the truck was purchased, or do you think the lube from the assembly line was petroleum based?

If it's a factory lube, we should all get out there, clean it off, and re-lube with a non-petroleum based lube. I won't likely do that unless someone here confirms that I should. I've never touch this part, so if there's lube, it's factory lube.

I'd like to think they'd use a compatible grease from the factory, but ya never know :uhoh: . These things often take a beating by getting oil, grease, or whatever spilled/sprayed on them from being in the engine compartment.
G/luck
Joel