The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk what lube for heater cables???

Pulled the heater from the '58. Sent the core out and had new core soldered in. Going to reinstall this week. Will be great to have heat in the 'ol girl... Question, what is the best lube for the cables?? I have rebuilt the deluxe controls and want to do everything possible NOT to break another lever.. (seems like someone would make replacements that are not potmetal). Tempted to mill some out of steel stock... Anyway, what it the best lube?? thanks in advance

Carl

For my '62 heater cable, first I hosed the whole thing down with brake cleaner. REALLY hosed it down. Then I shot it with WD40 and let that soak the wire.

Then hit it again with brake cleaner to remove the WD40.

Then I used simple white lithium grease on the heater cable. Put it on the exposed ends, and worked it back and forth by hand. A LOT.

Also bead blasted the entire duct work, which got rid of a lot of grime around the door, etc. Painted it all and put it back together. Works like a brand new unit.
Brad

While were on cables.How do I keep my throttle cable from being sucked back in after I have set it at the speed I want on the road? Do you put a slight bend in the shaft at the dash? I wish I had a friction lock like on air planes.

Lubing control cables is a touchy subject. If you use an oil, dirt is attracted and it will gum up, making it hard to work. And the cable housing becomes a mess. But it does help keep the cable from rusting.

The other school believes that graphite powder is the lube to use. It doesn't attract dirt and does a good job of lubing the cable. But graphite doesn't protect against rust.

This is where I go to my gun cleaning supplies. Remington Drilube is a teflon based lubricant that dries on the surface and protects against rust without the mess of graphite. You can buy it at most gun shops, including some Wal-Marts.

Hey Beaver, I don't think the intent of the throttle cable was cruise control. It is meant for use when starting cold. I don't think I would put any bends in it. I also don't think I would use it as cruise since it doesn't disengage with the brake....

I also think one of the major uses intended for the throttle control was for using a PTO, but not a cruise control.

Anyone ever try motorcycle chain wax? Deep penetrating, but dried with a harder less sticky surface to prevent dirt accumilation.
Just a thought anyway, I may try it myself when I get to that point.

I have used PJ1 motorcycle chain lube. Ditto on the WD40 for cleaning & working them loose. Brian

I've had good luck with auto trans fluid.take the cable off and dunk it in a pan of the stuff and let it soak.Yes it's messy,clean the outside off and your good to go

I have to agree with Fred T, though I'm not much of a shot. My other Stovebolt is a mountain bike and I've found many uses for the teflon based lubricants popular with two wheelers. Works like a charm on all cables and very inexpensive.