throtle cable freezing

[bc realtor]

For the last few weeks I have been haveing the throttle cable freeze up on me as I start in the morning. i have tried some teflon spray and found that that made things worse. Cut that down with some WD40. I even went and purchased a cable lube tool that is to small to get around the cable. I finally used a top off a tube of silicon with a slice on one side and a small hole drilled into it for the straw of the lube. problem is the thing keeps on freeezing up. The only thing that worked is tarping the tractor till it unfroze. Any ideas? As i have a few days till the next freeze comes.

 

[beenthere]

Is there a way to remove it, and get it dry so it cannot freeze the moisture in it?

 

[RPW]

I agree pull cable and remove inner wire. Blow out with dry air (air from compressor most likely will have some moisture in it). Lube with WD-40 reassemble and reinstall.

 

[oliver28472]

Lockease. It is spray graphite.

 

[crazyal]

You may be able to find a tool that will fit the cable at a motorcycle shop. I would also try something like drygas to get the water out of the cable.

 

[Mace Canute]

Best thing I found for cables like that is Rust Check. It's a light oil based rust preventative that contains a water dispersant and creeping agent to suck it into tight places and push the water out. Works as a lube too, and lasts for a long time. Since you are a Canuck, like me eh, you can find it at Crappy Tire.

 

[PILOON]

Quite honestly for that kind of problem I generally use WD-40 which by design is a water displacement (WD), formula 40.

While it is not the greatest lubricant (not greasy enough) it will disperse and clean (free up) those cables.
I also shoot some into all my locks (car included) every fall as well as my tractor ignition switch.
In fact it saved me replacing the switch as the internal lubes were really dry and making poor contact. WD rejuvenated the lube.

Works for me!

 

[Scotty370]

Boy- BC, If you figure it out............let me know! I'm in Buffalo NY. and it's been a constant problem over the years! (Tractor sets outside JD318) I try to set the thottle and choke in a position so that I can start it, and let the engine heat thaw things out during idle. But I've not found a 'cure-all' lubricant. ~Scotty

 

[PILOON]

Boy- BC, If you figure it out............let me know! I'm in Buffalo NY. and it's been a constant problem over the years! (Tractor sets outside JD318) I try to set the thottle and choke in a position so that I can start it, and let the engine heat thaw things out during idle. But I've not found a 'cure-all' lubricant. ~Scotty

Besides my WD-40 treatment, I have used heat shrink tubing as used in electronics to make those nice wire harnesses.

Available in sizes from 1/8" -2", you get one that slips easily over your cleaned and lubed throttle/choke cable and then with a plumbers torch or heat gun you heat shrink it tight.
You then have a thoroughly waterproof cable assembly!

Not your standard radio shack product, but available at most serious electronic supply houses. Sometimes in 36" lengths and often in rolls by the foot.

Worst case scenario, wrap with electrical tape.

 

[Scotty370]

Thanks, Piloon, I use Heat Shrink quite a bit, for various applications. Right now, I'm in the unenviable position of being in 'snow-free' North Buffalo, with my tractor in 'snow-free' East Otto NY (50 miles South) with a snow band that dropped 3'+ (a Meter!) of snow in between Point A and Point B! I'll try to recover it tomorrow! ~Scotty

 

[Argosy]

First thing you need to do is dry it out. If it's sealed well enough to hold water any lube or water dispersant won't have anywhere to disperse the water.