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MG TD TF 1500 - Choke and Stater Pull Cable

Is a solid inner cable OK for the choke and starter pull cables.


Jan T
J Targosz

Yes, many LBCs were supplied with solid choke, starter and heater cables. Frankly, I prefer them as they last far longer and don't fray and jam up.
Kevin McLemore

As long as the runs are pretty much straight, a solid inner cable works ok. If there is anything more than a slight bend in the cable, it makes pulling the knobs very difficult. I have always used the stranded inner cable, but then tin the strands together with solder from the point that they are attached to the linkage on to the end of the cable. This eliminates frayed and broken strands. Cheers - Dave
D W DuBois

I have pefered the solid inner for the choke. As it helps to push back the choke levers. The return spring does not seem to quite do it on my TD.

Failing the solid inner - solder the end as Daves says where it comes out the outer - will do the same think.

Rod
Rod Jones

"I have pefered the solid inner for the choke. As it helps to push back the choke levers."

Replace the cork or nitril 'O' rings with Teflon 'O' rings and the jets will return all by themselves. The teflon 'O rings can be purchased from Tom Bryant at thosbryant@gmail.com Put two on the top and two on the bottom, make sure that all sharp edges are relieved and there are no nicks anywhere along the jet when installing them. The work great. Cheers - Dave
D W DuBois

Hi David,

I recall as a boy attempting to solder the strands of the inner brake cable from my bicycle. I was using the gas ring on the cooker in the kitchen. I never had any luck since the wire blued before the solder melted. When I recently soldered the ends onto the battery cables I had a similar problem with the insulation both burning and shrivelling.I managed to do a good job eventually by melting solder in a tin can and dipping the terminal end and cable into this. I wonder if this will work with the Bowden cable? I have managed to unsolder the cables from both the starter and choke knob shafts and will use a large soldering iron to refix them but I will obviously have to tin them first - and yes I know I have to bend the end of the cable after I have pushed into the shaft otherwise it will pull out!


Cheers

Jan T
J Targosz

Jan,
You may have better luck if you buy one of those small gas torches like this one from Home Depot. It gives a higher temp than Propane or natural gas.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Bernzomatic-TS8000KC-Premium-Torch-Kit-331044/203371801?N=5yc1vZbqmd

You need to get the temp up quickly to prevent the insulation melting. Useing a rag soaked in cold water may protect the insulation better.
With the inner Bowden cable, just withdraw it from the outer and after you have soldered it and it is still hot - wipe it to remove any extra solder that may prevent it going back down the inner. The solder should remain shiny and not be dull when you are done. Don’t forget to lube the inner as it goes back in with white lithium grease.

Dave, I do have the Teflon seals form Tom fitted and it still is a little stiff but the fixed choke cable works fine as a helper to get the jets all the way back up.

Rod
Rod Jones

Bike shops sell ferrels that can be clamped on the end of stranded inner cables to prevent unraveling.
John Quilter (TD8986)

This thread was discussed between 09/08/2014 and 10/08/2014

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