1966 L36 Accelerator Rod Issue

[Mike M.]

[Stephen L.]

Re: 1966 L36 Accelerator Rod Issue

Have you tried to insert the swivel into the firewall arm from the distributor side of the arm. This would move the rod toward the engine centerline? Is the firewall arm bent?

[Mike M.]

Re: 1966 L36 Accelerator Rod Issue

Stephen - thanks for your reply.

I suspect the accelerator lever by the firewall is bent. I purchased a NOS lever this afternoon that I will install to see if it corrects the issue. It will take a few days for the lever to arrive.

[Richard M.]

Re: 1966 L36 Accelerator Rod Issue

Mike, You will have a very difficult task ahead if you try to replace the lever. Access to the pinch bolt mount on a big block is very tight in there.

Before you attempt it, try to simply bend the lever inward toward center a bit to add clearance for the acelerator rod. To reduce the chance of it slipping off the pedal link rod mount, place a block or long padded prybar against the lower end of the lever near its mount bolt to keep it from slipping off the mount.

If the lever pops off the mount, now you can try Plan A. But be ready for a real chore.

Before you do anything, verify the swivel placement. I don't have my AIM handy which will show if it's on the lever properly.

Rich

[Joseph S.]

Re: 1966 L36 Accelerator Rod Issue

Configuration looks correct- (threaded end toward firewall, swivel toward the outside of the engine but the adjustment is very different from mine.

My adjustment ('66 L36 car) is about half way up the threads and the swivel is positioned further back toward the firewall, behind the ignition shield (between the shield and the firewall) thereby eliminating the contact with the valve cover.

Is the rod positioned correctly on the carb throttle lever?

I wouldn't try and remove the throttle lever unless it is a last resort.

Joe

[Mike M.]

Re: 1966 L36 Accelerator Rod Issue

Thanks Richard and Joseph,
I knew reaching the pinch bolt from the top was difficult, but hadn't looked at it from the bottom of the car. This is likely a job to be done over the winter layup season.

[Joseph S.]

Re: 1966 L36 Accelerator Rod Issue

MIke,
can you take a picture of the throttle rod attachment to the carburetor lever and measure the length of the throttle rod. I will compare to my 66.
it would seem your throttle rod is shorter or positioned forward of mine.
Joe

[Mike M.]

Re: 1966 L36 Accelerator Rod Issue

Thanks again Rich and Joe! I was able to tweak the lever towards the center of the car. The lever bent much easier than I had anticipated. I now have adequate clearance for the accelerator rod from the valve cover.

Joe - the accelerator rod measured 14.375" overall.

Here's a photo of the clearance that I have now.

accel rod adjusted.jpg

[Richard M.]

Re: 1966 L36 Accelerator Rod Issue

Thanks again Rich and Joe! I was able to tweak the lever towards the center of the car. The lever bent much easier than I had anticipated. I now have adequate clearance for the accelerator rod from the valve cover.

Joe - the accelerator rod measured 14.375" overall.

Here's a photo of the clearance that I have now.

Well Done!