Sticky throttle on a Ford

[gacyota]

On the 04 Focus SVT 2.0 DOHC, It has no modifications other than a K&N air filter and ventvisors over the windows.
The issue is the throttle sticks when you try to press down on the gas. My first thought of course was to clean the throttle butterfly. Upon removal of the intake tube, the butterfly was not dirty. I sprayed it anyway but the problem still exists.
It seems the colder the temperature is the worse it sticks. It also seems like the longer I drive in the cold, the worse it gets.
I think the problem is that I have a plastic TB housing and a metal butterfly and when it gets cold, the are not expanding/contracting like it would in above 40 degree temps.
I can buy a new aluminum TB housing for about $400 but I'm looking for a cheaper alternative.
Moving South is not one of those alternertives ( I wish though)

[gacyota]

Ok now it is not a cold air issue. It was 60 degrees today and it stuck just like it did when it was 20. Do I just need to bite the bullet and get a new one?

[fstf2v]

Maybe it was made at a toyo plant.(just kidding) Lol. I have a 2001 taurus and it would stick on the freeway and even around town,but never at idle (tb closed). I just installed a different return spring on the tb. It's been 9+ years and not a problem. Hope this helps.

[driver540]

Check the throttle cable itself. They make a special lube for them. Have had these probs on motorcycles. Lube helps but doesnt always work. The factory stuff gums up and makes them sticky

[gacyota]

I did lube the cables when I first started experiencing the problem. Now that the temps are steady in the 60s the sticky throttle has gone away. I think I'm going to design a 'sleeve' to put inside the intake tube. I know a guy at a machine shop that will make one for me.

[fstf2v]

Don't forget to post some photo's of the new part and some of your feelings on the modification(s). Horsepower gain , acceleration flat spots and drive issues etc.....