Hood opening

[holeycow]

Mine on my Dk got stiffer and stiffer for a short while. It was to the point that I was getting concerned that I might eventually get locked out of my engine compartment the pull was getting so great (or I was going to break the knob off the cable).Then I started dribbling lubricant down the cable, drop by drop. I also lubricated the sliding parts on the latch. After several applications on the cable over a period of time the lubricant finally started to dribble out of the bottom of the sheath. Now the release works perfectly. Well actually it has worked perfectly for a couple of years already.

Pushing down on the hood while pulling the release is somewhat awkward on mine too. That's why I lubed the cable. I have no need to push down anymore.

I do like the fact that the hood closes tightly on the weatherstripping. There is no wear or noise from vibration or movement going on.

It is a well designed latching mechanism if properly broke-in I'd say. Mine is a DK90, btw.

 

[IslandTractor]

Thanks for the tip holeycow. I have checked my latch mechanism for signs of rust etc (none) but haven't tried your lubrication technique. I'll give it a try. I always worry a bit about using oils because there is so much dust that gets generated during mowing that I fear the dust will combine with oil and make matters worse. Maybe I will try a silicone type lubricant.

 

[holeycow]

I have used both wd40 and silicone. The wd the first couple of times and then silicone from then on. It is probably ready for another flush with wd soon.

There are cable-luber tools available that would allow you to flush and lube in one event. I have one, but haven't used it on this particular cable yet. I will if/when the cable gets dirty. Mine is still pretty clean.

Dirt bike shops sell cable lubers that work on small cables. The tool is not really necessary for these particular Kioti cables, as there is lots of room between the cable and sheath. Dribbling oil is fast enough for me on these.

When necessary, the lubing tool works well.

You could maybe fit a little boot to keep out dust somehow...

Some dirt bikes have a little 'accordion' boot where the clutch cable enters the engine cases. I say dirt bikes because most street bikes have hydraulic clutches. Most dirt bikes have cable clutches. One of those boots might eliminate the dust problem. I am a little concerned about that too.

PS, obviously the cable has to have a downhill run all the way to the other end, or you have to make it so. My DK cable runs downhill all the way. If you are forced to push lube uphill, the lubing tool makes that possible.

 

[powerscol]

I used a graphite lube. It in a small spray can - goes on wet, then drys so it wont collect dirt like WD 40. It a white/gray stuff and very slick. If I can find the can I will post. got it at a JD dealership a long time back. I also have an oil call breakfree (used on guns) that I too dribble down the cable once in a while. It soakes in very fast, but you need to wipe up the drips as it collects dirt/dust like mad.