64 Tach Cable lubrication

[M W.]

Hi all,

After reading the archieves on proper tach cable lubrication I thought I would ask again to get some clarification. What is the best type of over the counter lube to use and basically how much of the lube should be used? Should I lube the ends that fit into the tach and distributor or just the cable itself? Lastly can you lube the entire cable and then reinsert it into the housing or that just to difficult?

Thanks so much,
Craig

[Jack H.]

Re: 64 Tach Cable lubrication

Yes, you want to lube the entire inner cable and leave the outer connecting tips dry. Once you have the cable disconnected at both ends and the inner cable removed from the outer sheath, it's a good idea to spray brake cleaner down the sheath and blow it clean/dry with an air hose to get rid of older, dried grease particles embedded in the sheath.

Clean the inner cable you've removed of residual lubricant before coating the cable LIBERALLY with your choice of speedo/tach lube (any auto parts store) before you re-insert the inner cable into the sheath and button the job up.

Note: be careful when flushing the sheath with brake cleaner as stray brake cleaner can mess things up! Conventional brake cleaner has paint remover characteristics....

[James W.]

Re: 64 Tach Cable lubrication

Hi all,

After reading the archieves on proper tach cable lubrication I thought I would ask again to get some clarification. What is the best type of over the counter lube to use and basically how much of the lube should be used? Should I lube the ends that fit into the tach and distributor or just the cable itself? Lastly can you lube the entire cable and then reinsert it into the housing or that just to difficult?

Thanks so much,
Craig

Craig,

I use a product called Cable-ease. It comes in a small tube and works very well. I think I purchased it through either Paragon or Corvette Central. As Jack stated, after a good cleaning apply it liberally and keep the tips dry.

Regards,

James West

[Harry S.]

Re: 64 Tach Cable lubrication

Agree, Kable-Ease is the way to go. It's made by AGS Co. Comes in a 1/2 fl. oz. tube and costs about $2.99.

The only place I could find it was at an online store, can't remember the name.

Harry

[Mike B.]

Re: 64 Tach Cable lubrication

I recall reading somewhere that lube should be used sparingly on the last six inches of cable where it connects to the gauge cluster. Over time the spinning spiral shape of the cable acts as a corkscrew and pushes lube towards the cluster with the potential undesireable effect of putting lube into the gauge face.

This is just a suggestion as I never actually saw it happen. It could be an automotive urban legend but it seems plausible.

Mike

[John H.]

Re: 64 Tach Cable lubrication

Corvette Central has "Kable-Ease".

[M W.]

Re: 64 Tach Cable lubrication

Would powdered graphite work? Saw that in a local supply shop.

Thanks,
Craig

[John H.]

Re: 64 Tach Cable lubrication

Would powdered graphite work? Saw that in a local supply shop.

Thanks,
Craig

I don't think so - the graphite needs a liquid carrier to permeate the flex shaft - that's what "Kable-Ease" does.

[Dick W.]

Re: 64 Tach Cable lubrication

I recall reading somewhere that lube should be used sparingly on the last six inches of cable where it connects to the gauge cluster. Over time the spinning spiral shape of the cable acts as a corkscrew and pushes lube towards the cluster with the potential undesireable effect of putting lube into the gauge face.

This is just a suggestion as I never actually saw it happen. It could be an automotive urban legend but it seems plausible.

Mike

I believe that it is more than a myth. One of the British cars of the '50's had a cable wound the wrong way. Would lubricate your pants in a hurry.