should you oil engine control cables?

[MAW31]

i just got a used binnacle and control cables for my evinrude motor.

they appear far less abused than the set that came with my recently purchased boat and motor.

i was wondering...and remembering...how i used to inject oil into the cables of my 2-stroke dirt bike controls and think the same would benefit my boat control cables.

what is the correct way to keep control cables 'in shape'?

thx

 

[LIQUID PROZAC]

Re: should you oil engine control cables?

it's a good idea to always keep moving parts lubricated--i use wd40

 

[MAW31]

Re: should you oil engine control cables?

thanks

i was thinking (perhaps wrongly) that the cables might be packed with a triple grease or some type of protection already, so was wondering if that was true, how to 're-grease'...

i guess thats not the case...

 

[marine4003]

Re: should you oil engine control cables?

Nope, theres no lube inside the cable. i keep the exposed ends lubed with LUCAS marine grease..lightly applied. you can shoot some WD-40 down the ends..cant hurt.

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: should you oil engine control cables?

I don't know how effective it would be trying to get lubricant down a cable that is 12' or longer. But like Prozac said you can get the ends. I have always been told that dry graphite is the best lube for any type of cable. Sometimes hard to find. I extend my cables as far as they will they will go out in either direction and use a pencil to rub graphite on the moving parts on the ends. I honestly have never had a cable seize that the sheath was intact. Seems as soon as it cracks the cable is not long for life afetrwards.

 

[Bowser4x4]

Re: should you oil engine control cables?

I use the CRC Chain and Wire Rope lubricant. Seems to work well so far. But I am not sure of how much gets all the way down to the middle of the cable.

Woof
Bowser