Throttle Cable Lubrication Advice?

 

2006 Honda Shadow 600.

I diagnosed my electrical problem (no headlight or starter) down to forward
of the connector that connects the right handlebar switch.  The first thing
I did was short a couple pins to get the headlight to come on (which
confirmed that the switch or wiring was bad), then I snipped some wires, but
couldn't get the starter to go (my guess is that I misread the wiring
diagram).  The switch with wiring ($47) is on order.  I'm guessing the new
switch and wiring will make the headlight and starter both go.

In any case, looking at the service manual, I'll have to loosen, disconnect,
reinstall, and re-adjust the throttle cables in the process of replacing the
assembly.  Seems like a good chance to lubricate them.

What do I use for lubricating throttle cables?

I'm assuming that if I Google I'll find lots of products.  Any
recommendation?

Thanks.

 

David T. Ashley wrote:

How about some teflon spray?

I don't know whether it makes any difference though.  The cable is
probably lined with a lube-impregnated plastic sleeve.  When that wears
out, you chuck the cable and get a new one.

 



I'm guessing the problem was elsewhere and in your meddling you've just
thrown 50 bucks away. But we'll see.

As someone else said, a lot of them are Teflon-lined these days and
don't need it. Just disconnect them at either end and see if you pull
the inners up and down through the outers with no real resistance. If
they're fine, leave them.

If they have got sticky, then what I do is get one of those little
plastic bags that banks use to contain loose change, poke the cable end
through a small hole in the bottom, tape the bottom of the bag tightly
against the cable outer so it doesn't leak, and pour some very light
machine oil (or aerosol stuff like WD40 plus oil) into the bag so that
it covers the open end of the outer.

Then hang it up. The lube drips down inside the cable. Cost is zero,
effectively.


--
BMW K1100LT  Ducati 750SS  Yamaha XT600E  Honda CB400F
chateau dot murray at idnet dot com
"What you're proposing to do will involve a lot of time
and hassle for no tangible benefit."

 

On Aug 23, 1:30 am, totallydeadmail...@yahoo.co.uk (The Older
Gentleman) wrote:


Good advice. As I understand it, lined cables
should definitely ***not*** be lubed, as there's
a good chance of any solvent reacting with the
liner. I'd make sure what I was dealing with first.

Also, every sticky throttle cable I've seen for a long
time always turned out to be fraying not friction.
Lubing won't fix a frayed cable.

 


Second that.