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Choke cables - correct size

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C

Cutlass

Jedi Warrior
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The replacement choke cables I received from BCS are bicycle-type, very smooth, but small diameter, and don't appear as original. They are, however, a bit too large to fit into the brackets, either at the carb or the firewall. Thus operation is not very good. So the question is where to get larger diameter, black sheathed, choke cables? BTW, the cables on the car when I got it were bare metallic flex cables, again, not original. Thanks.
 
Hi Cutlass, only the metal braid is fitted inside the bracket at the firewall or the carbs.---Keoke?
 
Thanks, Keoke. That much I figured out, because the flex metal cable from the firewall to the knob is the correct diameter. The bicycle-type cable does not have the wound steel construction, just a wire strand through plastic. This is just a bit to large diameter to fit into the brackets, and too small to appear original. Methinks that the original must have been a wound wire structure, with a plastic sheathing. I don't know where to find this type new.
 
Keoke said:
Hi Cutlass, only the metal braid is fitted inside the bracket at the firewall or the carbs.---Keoke?
Click to expand...
--- keoke thats true, however the diameter of the ferrul at the carbs will not allow the stainless cable to fit inside even with the rubber removed, not even some of the original carb cables will fit inside, most all look bent and out of direction/missaligned, i added a length of clear rubber tubing to creat the transition.
 
maybe a motorcycle clutch cable?
 
Hi Cutlass,

I just recently (3 weeks ago) purchased new choke cables (from carb to firewall) for my BJ8 from Moss. They were the correct diameter and length. Everything fit where it was supposed to. They did not come with new plastic sheathings, but the original sheathings worked fine.

Mark
 
I have not seen those anywhere in my travels yet. I checked quite a few sites and could not find any. They appear to be thin black vinyl tubing. I don't think they are plastic since mine appear original and have not hardened or cracked.

Mark
 
Cutlass said:
Good to know. But where to get the sheaths?
Click to expand...


Yes Cutlass, the plastic outer sheath in the correct diameter is difficult to find. Its inside diameter is just slightly larger than the cable's metalic braid. I suggest that you visit a plastic tube manufacturer and see if they do not make an item you could use.---Keoke

OH ! I just remembered somthing. The self propelled Hoover Vacuums use a teflon lined cable with a black outer jacket on it. I use them to make the primary cables, you might see if it is long enough to also make secondaries.
 
Thanks, all. There is a remarkable array of replacement parts available for these cars, so we should be grateful that issues like this are rare. I'll get to the bottom of a reasonable solution, and let you know.
 
Cutlass,

British Wiring has PVC sleeving that is a close match. The 5mm (.196") ID has an OD of .26". I bought some of this and while it works (slides over the .185" steel core it is a very tight stretch fit over the choke bracket and carb fittings (.25 OD) the OD is a bit smaller (.26" vs. .30" of the original sleeve). BW also has a 6mm (.236") ID sleeve which will fit over the carb/choke fitting much easier and should be very close to the .30" OD (you can ask when ordering) . The 6MM will be a bit looser fit between the core and sleeve but I plan to order some and try it out. It's only .55 to .60 cents a metre so shipping will cost you more than the parts (don't cha hate that!) In fact, if you order some 6mm get a couple metres for me and I'll gladly send you a virtual healey print for your efforts /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif

Anyway, check what you want against my measurements and you should be able to see if it will work for you. https://www.britishwiring.com has an online catalog and it's under "sleeving" section of the Component Catalog.

Cheers,
John
 
Often I feel guilty seeking and receiving all this great advice without being able to repay. Thanks so much. I'll order the sleeving, John.

Just found same material at McMaster-Carr for less than one half the price, no mininum credit card order, etc. I ordered 20 feet, and if it works, John gets his for free.
 
Hi Cutlass,

I looked at McMaster Carr but couldn't find the right size .. right material. Got a part number?

I did find some perfect tubing for the bonnet catch spring cover a while back. The one from BCS was a thin whimpy thing but the one from McMasters is nice and thick like the original. I've got extra pieces if anyone is in need.

Cheers,
John
 
John, I had the same reaction to the BCS sleeve I ordered. I will be happy to buy the extra that you have.
Lin
1960 BT7 in restoration
1959 Bugeye
 
The McMaster tubing I ordered is black PVC, 3/16 inch id, 5/16 inch od, part no. 5231K82. Won't have it till Monday. Will report how it works.
 
Lin, I'll email you for your address .. wouldn't think of charging you a penny.

Cutlass, Hope the McMaster stuff works out. It will be a very tight fit over the carb and choke bracket fittings .. may need to use a hair dryer to soften up the ends to go over the .25" fittings. BTW, .21 a foot is about the same as .60 a meter! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif

Cheers,
John
 
Well, the tubing came today from McMaster. Saturday I bought two heater control cables (Moss BHH679), removed the solid wire, and cut the spiral outer sheath to the correct sizes. The 3/16 inch PVC tubing fit over the cable, with a moderate amount of lubricant and fiddling. Thereafter, I cut the PVC about 1/4 inch short of the cable, and inserted the cable into the ferrules at the firewall and at the carbs. Next, the end of the tubing was inserted over the ferules, and fit well. Finally, the BCS stranded wire was run from the firewall through the new sheathed choke cables, and attached to the choke arm. It all looks very good, and works as it should. The od of the PVC is 5/16 inch. Probably not identical to original, but darn close, I'll bet. I've got a bit of the tubing left if anyone's interested. (John gits first dibs.) I also used two pieces of this same tubing for the carb bowl overflow tubes. Only concern here is heat durability.
 
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