Frozen cables

[rbstuartjr]

      So I went out to start the sovereign today, tried to pull the choke out, nope. Stuck, frozen good. Last time, I used the machine, it was drizzling out after I blew snow. Well then it sat for 3 days and it’s been single digit cold out over night.
      In the cold weather, it won’t start without the choke. This is a 18hp Command with the choke cable coming out the dash, because of the power steering. I stuck an electric space heater in the shed for 2 hrs and it thawed out and it started. Anyone have any suggestions as to prevent the cables from freezing. The throttle lever never froze, just the choke cable.
    This hasn’t happened to me before on this machine. Unfortunately, I don’t have power in the shed, ran an extension cord from the house for space heater.

[ShaunE]

I use one of these. Not the same brand but same thing.

https://www.amazon.com/KiWAV-Lubecator-Lubricant-Motorcycle-Scooter/dp/B009YEYL0I/ref=asc_df_B009YEYL0I?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80264400674353&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4583863980112071&psc=1

[jlasater]

ShaunE has the right idea. Need to purge any moisture with a good cable lube.

[720nut]

I'd just use PB blaster if it doesn't have a rubber or plastic coating, Just my $.02

 

[rbstuartjr]

Thanks guys,  I sprayed some PB Blaster dry lube up on the knob area for the choke and worked it a bit to get into the sheathing. I’m going to order that cable lubricator and give a go.

[steve-wis]

I have watched Zippo's videos and he uses a cable lube in a spray can with a similar applicator like Shaun has his link to.  He says it works great.  I have yet to get some tho, my tractors are inside, not heated, and i haven't had an issue yet.  I suppose now that I have said that, I will have a frozen cable soon.

 

Steve

Edited January 26, 2022 by steve-wis

[B10Dave]

Steve; as long as they are inside and dry you should be okay in the cable department.......maybe..

[rbstuartjr]

My issue was that somehow moisture got past the choke knob into the sheathing. Then the temps dropped quickly later that day before the moisture could dry out. Then 5 days of single digit temps, the knob was completely frozen. I store it in an unheated shed, but it never got warm enough for the ice to thaw.

[bccan]

Ha!  Went out to move my Legacy today and the throttle cable was frozen, I half assedly sprayed some lube into each end of the cable, 30 seconds w/ heat gun on the low area of the cable and back in action.  Happened once last year too.  I think it may be time for one of those cable lubers, thx for the link.

[rockfangd]

On 1/23/2022 at 4:47 PM, ShaunE said:

I use one of these. Not the same brand but same thing.

https://www.amazon.com/KiWAV-Lubecator-Lubricant-Motorcycle-Scooter/dp/B009YEYL0I/ref=asc_df_B009YEYL0I?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80264400674353&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4583863980112071&psc=1

Good stuff. Same thing I use on my motorcycle and bike