Throttle and Shift Cables

[fgz]

I have a general question about cables failing. Do these cables (Merc, Yamaha, etc.) ever actually stretch or is it more often that the conduit wears inside creating an unwanted relief point in the cable when a load is applied during shifting, causing the adjustment to be incorrect?

Any input would be appreciated!

Thanks,

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Throttle and Shift Cables

Usually the outside cracks and allows water in and thus hard shifting and seizing.
Strech:If they are adjusted wrong and hard shifting a problem they might strech a very small amount.Nothing you would notice.
A cable is supposed to be in as straight line as possible.Most motors have a loop at the motor.
This takes up any turning.If you can keep both ends dry a cable can last over 20 years.They don't need to be lubed.Lube eventually dries out and becomes sticky GOOP.
Every couple of years the cable/connectors should be un-hooked and re-adjusted.J

 

[Don S]

Re: Throttle and Shift Cables

Do they stretch, NO. But the inside sheath surround the core wire will get a groove worn in it after years of use. This gives the cable a lot of extra slack (Movement) that may not allow full movement of what it's operating. See it a lot in shift cables, when you start getting all the way into one gear, but can't get both gears.