Irv 115 #1 Posted December 17, 2010 I'm betting I'm not the only one that gets frozen throttle and choke cables this time of year. Anyone have a tip to help with this? :D Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rickv1957 70 #2 Posted December 17, 2010 Some WD40 placed inside of cable casing should do it,Rick Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 15,972 #3 Posted December 17, 2010 I solved the problem by pulling the wire completely out of the conduit, greasing the wire up and reinstalling it. I also blew air through the conduit and spayed WD-40 into it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 22,269 #4 Posted December 17, 2010 Are they froze or rusted?? Electrolysis may free them up if they are rusted. Otherwise, once they are thawed out, pull out wire and use graphite for the lubricant. Graphite will not freeze or get sticky. :ychain: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
COMMANDO1 23 #5 Posted December 17, 2010 pb blaster........ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wheel horse man 56 #6 Posted December 18, 2010 my old 1276 cables always freezes up when i do a lot of plowing when the water melts off the warm hood it runs down on the cables and freezes offer that nite you go to fired it up and you cant pull out the choke :ychain: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GlenPettit 1,714 #7 Posted December 18, 2010 WD-40 will help free it up initially but may actually wash away the lubricant that was there, allowing rust to form. When dry, be sure to lubricate the cable; I believe a dry lubricate like Graphite may be best, there are some sprays that go on moist and quickly dry to a graphite. If the inside of the cable is lubricated, there is a lot less chance of moisture getting in to allow things to freeze up, but grease would also keep the moisture out . . . Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mavfreak 11 #8 Posted December 18, 2010 Back in my dirt bike days I precessed a cable luber. You can get them from your local bicycle shop. It clamps on the end of the cable and you insert the little tube that fits in the nozzle of a WD40 can and spray. It works wonders. I used it on my snowmobile in the winter and used the spray for deicing your windows on your cars. freed it immediately. Then I used a graphite spray that I bought for cables. I would recommend this cause wd40 can freeze or get gummy when cold also collects dirt were the graphite doesn't Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Redbirdman 7 #9 Posted December 18, 2010 when the water melts off the warm hood it runs down on the cables and freezes In the old days when I had to live like you poor devils in the blistering cold and pay my way by plowing and blowing snow we used to douse the blowers with a 25 percent mix of used antifreeze to keep them from freezing overnight.... And spraying the cables and foot pedals with Prestone Windshield de-icer to keep them loose for the morning. And in really cold weather we stole a trick from the track machines and parked the tires with chains on block of wood. Now........I just worry that the beer stays cold.. :ychain: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Retired Wrencher 4,898 #10 Posted December 18, 2010 :ychain: IRV Find your self a Cable luber for motorcycles. to me this works the best that I have tried,as long that your outer casing is good shape the fluid will flow all the way up to the handle. If not wrap some good quality electrical tape tightly around the bad areas. check it out I have done this with all my power equipment this way. Also I use white grease spray for the lube this resist moisture. Hope this helps Gary B............. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmaynard 14,934 #11 Posted December 18, 2010 Here is a solution you can try. It's not a quick fix, but if you have time to do it, it is a permanent fix. Remove the cable from the tractor. Remove the wire and clean it with steel wool. Throttle wires are easy since they have no hooks on the end. Chokes require bending straight to remove. Soak the housing (conduit) in PB Blaster, then rinse it thoroughly with mineral spirits. Blow it out with compressed air and let dry completely. Remove any of the outer covering that is coming loose (if yours has a covering). Purchase a couple of 48" lengths of 3/8" (O.D) black shrink tubing from McMaster & Carr. Slip the cable housing into the shrink tubing and heat it until the tubing conforms to the cable. Trim the ends flush. Then, take some end caps (also from McMaster & Carr) and slip them over the ends. This will give you a new water-resistant cable housing. Next, coat the wire with Permatex (copper) never-seize, and insert it back into the cable housing. Reform the end of the choke cable if necessary. Problem solved. Not cheap, but effective way to keep your cables from freezing or seizing. Links to McMaster & Carr: Shrink Tubing Shrink End Caps Bob Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
buckrancher 2,678 #12 Posted December 19, 2010 Throttle wires are easy since they have no hooks on the end. Chokes require bending straight to remove. must just be your tractors Bob mine all have z-bends :ychain: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmaynard 14,934 #13 Posted December 19, 2010 I should have said that all of the above info is based on my B-100's. Bob Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
876wheelhorse 46 #14 Posted December 20, 2010 my 856 did it this year i simply got it in the garage and put the heater to it got it free then sprayed pb blaster in it hopefully no more worries :ychain: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
harleyjj 2 #15 Posted December 21, 2010 I had this problem with mine and in the process of trying to free the cable the outer jacket came undone from the mount up by the choke lever. how do i re attach it? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HorseFixer 2,012 #16 Posted December 21, 2010 AMSOIL MP Heavy Duty Metal Protector (AMH) AMSOIL (MP) and AMSOIL Heavy Duty Metal Protector (MPHD) are easy-to-use spray-on synthetic products that protect metal surfaces, displace water and silence squeaks. MP cuts through rust and corrosion to restore free movement of frozen hardware parts. MPHD lubricates metal surfaces, leaving a dry waxlike film. Neither forms gum or sludge. AMSOIL MP is the product of choice for drying electrical and ignition systems and protecting electrical equipment from freshwater and saltwater damage. AMSOIL MP is also the product of choice for protecting firearms and other fine componentry. It contains no silicone. AMSOIL MP is compatible with plastic, leather, fabric, fishing line and paint. AMSOIL MPHD is the product of choice for metal surfaces that require a heavy duty lubricant or are exposed to the damaging effects of salt, moisture or chemical corrosion. It is ideal for hinges, wire ropes and springs, nuts and bolts, motorcycle or bicycle chains, and for undercoating wheelwells and other metal surfaces exposed to water, dirt or road salt. Performance Features Prevents rust & corrosion, even in salt water Protects against rust & corrosion, even in salt water Displaces water Stops squeaks Lubricates metal surfaces Leaves a dry, long-lasting, waxlike film Lubricant does not attract dust Does not sling off Sprays into hard-to-reach places Ideal for chains & other heavy-use items RECOMMENDATIONS Spray product on area to be treated. For best results, do not wipe off. Film carrier will evaporate, leaving MPHD on treated surface. AMSOIL HD Metal Protector And Of Course Its Made In The :D Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmaynard 14,934 #17 Posted December 21, 2010 I had this problem with mine and in the process of trying to free the cable the outer jacket came undone from the mount up by the choke lever. how do i re attach it? Put the cable back into the the little "fork" and squeeze with pliers. Don't squeeze too hard or you will not be able to move the wire. Bob Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
harleyjj 2 #18 Posted December 21, 2010 thanks bob! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites