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MG MGB Technical - Better throttle cable

Been a long time since I posted to this BBS. This is all your fault. It is because you guys were so much help with rebuilding my 73B, I just haven't had any problems! Ah well, all good things must come to an end. It’s been three or four years running and things are beginning to happen to the old girl. So, first on the list in a nut shell:

Broke the throttle cable. Both inner cable and outer jacket were bad. Bought a replacement from Moss. Installed cable by the book. Sticky throughout the range of travel. Removed the cable and lubricated. Re-installed. No help. Removed cable again. Carbs smooth, pedal smooth, cable not smooth. Tried to turn sheath end for end. Can’t do it, won’t fit. Re-lubricated with a bit heavier lube. Re-installed. Not smooth. Removed again. Cursed. Got grease all over me. Re-installed. Still almost undrivable in town. Good for creating whiplash though.

OK, that's the cute short of it. But I really did carefully analyze all the parts and pieces while I was doing all that stuff, and I really did get grease all over me. But I have come to several conclusions. First is that the outer sheath is too short. The arc is not graceful between the cable plate and the pedal box. I have also decided that the quality of cable is not the best that can be had. It can be “sticky” just laying on the bench if not laying straight or formed into the perfect arc.

So, does anyone know of a better fix? I think need an estimated 3-5cm longer jacket, and I would also like to have a better, even coated, inner cable. Does anyone carry a real good cable? The archives touched on bicycle cable, but if any of you have actual part numbers, lengths, brands, or vendors, I would be forever in your debt (for a while at least).

Thanks for any ideas.
Mark T

A bicycle shop will have a much superior cable available. It will be more weather resistant and have an inner sheath of a lubricating material. It should last as long as the car does.
C Holm

Just bring yours in and they will get you what you need on the spot.
C Holm

As mentioned, a really good bike shop should have a suitable cable you can cut to length. Some will be as described, some with braided center wire, and some just make of better materials. Just look for one with a similar type of end fitting to fit into your gas pedal arm and stay there.

One further comment. If you cut the inner cable to length, before attempting to install it, take the snipped end and warm it with a micro torch or at least a 125 Watt soldering iron. Then flow some silver solder into the very end. Some silver solders require a flux and make sure you get some and use it. Once the solder cools, take the soldered end and give it a pass on a grinding wheel to form a point. Doesn't have to be a sharp point, but what's required is to keep the outside dia. of the cable at the soldered end smooth and of the same size as the cable itself, getting rid of any excess solder. Now, when you reinsert the cable into the outer sheath, it will pass smoothly, and once anchored at the throttle linkage, it will pass through the cable stop hole easily and not fray on you in the future.
Bob Muenchausen

Great tip Bob.
C Holm

And do not lubricate cables with an inner lining of Teflon, nylon, or similar - all it does is attract dirt and grit to destroy the liner.
FRM
FR Millmore

If you do not own a soldering iron, use a little five minute epoxy worked into the last 3/4" of the cable. Rub it on, work it in a little and twist the wires in the direction they are twisted. Does the same thing as soldering. A spare, ready to fit, inner cable should be carried in a plastic bag in the tool box. They tend to break at the most inconvenient times.

Les
Les Bengtson

Like Mark, I found my 73B almost undrivable following a new throttle cable installation. I ended up using the new "inner" in the old "outer" - work perfectly.

Barry
BJ Quartermaine

I had the same problem with a new Moss cable. The outer casing appeared to be wound with a square section wire, and when bent at all , it went very stiff. Thankfully Dr Garth { NZ legend} had an older one in stock, and it works a treat.
The bike shop idea [motor cycle ] seems a good tip for the future. Renton.
R F Murray

Good tip, Les. You don't even need a torch or soldering iron! Just some J-B Weld. And the spare too! I have done just this for years.

Many bike cables are sold in raw lengths with retaining beads/fittings on both ends of the cable and you can cut to fit. When I have gotten these, I have just made up two since there is usually more than enough material to make more than one.
Bob Muenchausen

Another alternative is a Marine Hardware Store, or an Aircraft Supply store. You will find high quality cable there in a variety of diameters.

Rich
Rich McKIe

Mark:

http://www.tperformance.com/street_rod_store/engine/hi-tech_throttle_cables/

Lokar is the company that makes this stuff. I have had one of their set-ups in the GT from hell for about 10 years. It is VERY well made and should last forever. Looks good also. Gotta admit that the bike cabe used by MG looks kinda cheesy.

Pete
Pete

This thread was discussed between 30/04/2007 and 05/05/2007

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