Thanks guys.

Glad I asked, I'll follow your advice and re-check the carb shaft and throttle cable separately.

The carb was rebuilt this spring including all parts submerged in a bucket of NAPA carb cleaner. It seemed to me the butterfly shaft is now so dry, it's binding, that's why dry lube like graphite or teflon made sense. I will get some and apply a little to see if that does the trick.

The throttle cable I checked this spring. I disconnected both the carb end and pedal end to ensure I had easy action through the sleeve, and lubed with light weight sewing machine oil.... I'll check it again.

I checked the pedal lever and pivot for binding or interference from the interior carpet. It's not perfect, so I'll check there again..

I can also see what a stronger spring does..

Thanks,
- Art