Alfa Romeo Repair: No response from accelerator at times., airflow meter, feeler gauge

Question
Hi,

I recently purchased a 89 spider veloce, just got it back from mechanic, new clutch, slave cyl, etc.  Now the accelerator does not respond at times.  Since coming back from the mechanic, a Ferrari mechanic, the accelerator sticks, or feels tighter before it engages, and after three hours of driving at night, it just stopped working on me last night.  This morning it is running fine, but still sticking.  The car will start and idle even if the accelerator is not responding.  I am trying to get to colorado asap, any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  THANKS.  

Answer
It could be that the throttle butterfly is sticking because the throttle stop is not properly adjusted.. At the throttle body is a small screw that keeps the butterfly from closing all the way and thus sticking. Screw it in a bit until you just see day light or 0.003" with a feeler gauge.  Or maybe the airflow meter flap is sticking--move it by hand to see if that is the case.  Or maybe the throttle cable is frayed and the wires are messing with the action.  So, check also the throttle cable...