Heavy clutch and strange throttle response

[Peter B.]

Hello all,
drove a series 1 4.2 ots last Saturday. Liked it a lot, but clutch felt too heavy, although replaced in october 2010 and hardly driven, it has some "stick-slip-stick" effect when driving off. Different to what I drove so far.
Even more strange to me, was the throttle response. First some way until anything happened at all, but then within 2 cm (felt ) it went from zero to full. Carb linkage looked as new, no play to be found and, at first sight by an unexperienced guy (me), no way to adjust that. It is a lhd car, late series 1/early series 1,5.
Any idea what this might indicate? Any thoughts?
Best regards
Peter

[abowie]

I initially had this problem with my car. The two linkage rods are adjustable. They slide inside the end piece, which can be screwed up to tighten down on the rod. If they aren't sufficiently tight and you put your foot on the accelerator they can slip, which means you end up with a lot of initial free play and you don't get full throttle. The return spring on the pedal pulls the pedal back up, so it doesn't look like there's any free play.

[Peter B.]

Hello Andrew,
your description seems to be spot on of what I have experienced. Good to hear that this looks like something that can be adjusted easily. Many Thanks!

@all
How about the clutch? Compared to modern cars it might be more heavy, but not as a training device in a gym, or am I wrong? Please let me know how yours are and what free travel you regard as "normal".
All the best
Peter