Shut off cable lube/replace?

[marchem]

The shut off cable on our Catalina 310, Universal 25XPB diesel is real stiff and hard to move. I tried lubing each end, and it's a little bit easier, but not much. I did get some rusty water out of the bottom end of the cable, which makes me think it's gotten salt water inside the housing and corroded. It's only the cable, the control on the engine moves real smooth and easy.

Should it be possible to pull the cable out of the housing? It only moves 4-5" and then feels pretty solid. I'll replace it if I have to, but cleaning and lubing would sure cost a lot less.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Ludricating just the ends probably won't work well (as you already know). Don't pull it all the way out. Leave the last few inches in. You can always pull from the other end to ensure complete coverage.

 

[Bill1565]

If you can, take the cable out, hang it vertical and drip pb blaster or other low viscosity fluid into top end. Lube later if it loosens up. Replace if it does not.

 

[marchem]

Right now it won't come out more than 5", but it sounds like it should go all the way. I'll be a little more aggressive with it.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Right now it won't come out more than 5", but it sounds like it should go all the way. I'll be a little more aggressive with it.

It should come out all the way. Sounds like you found the problem

 

[marchem]

I was afraid of that. It may be that there is a kink at the end that's catching. Now that I know I shoujld be able to pull it out I'll try it again. Thanks, Rob

 

[wufibugs]

It can be replaced with any stainless pull cable of sufficient length or go electric.

 

[jibes138]

Cables are relatively inexpensive if you can do the work yourself. Not worth screwing around with the old one in my opinion. Push pull cables are about 35 bucks.

 

[jlp0217]

The owners manual that came with my controls/cables said to never lube the cables. Any lubricant will eventually gum up and make things worse. Maybe others are different. I have lubed similar cables on motorcycles, bikes and cars.
Also there should never be water inside the cable - find and fix the intrusion as you repair/replace the cable.

 

[marchem]

Finally was able to pull the cable out of the housing. Had to remove the housing and straighten it to get the cable out. Cleaned it well and put it back together. Much smoother. Plus I was able to measure the length, so now I know that if I decide to replace it.

 

[seadaddler]

Lub Lub Lub Lub as much as possible when ever possible to help keep water moisture out which is the killer and if you can keep covered from water moisture from entering into cable or you will need to replace.
Same type cable on my RV to tranny and tried to replace but had to pull out and lub lub and now works good,some times they get beyond repair on inside if rust gets real bad.

 

[woodster]

Get fine needle hypodermic syringe and load it with a medium lubricant and shoot it in both ends of the cable housing and don't be stingy with the Lub