Shift Cables

[airdvr1227]

Can they be lubricated?

 

[GA_Boater]

Not really. The inner liner wears at the bends and lube may seem to improve operation for a short while. It's awful hard to lube a cable more than about 3 feet long and only the ends get any oil.

 

[Old Ironmaker]

Not really. The inner liner wears at the bends and lube may seem to improve operation for a short while. It's awful hard to lube a cable more than about 3 feet long and only the ends get any oil.

Same goes for a steering cable. I'm sure there are self lubricated cables, I'm thinking Aircraft applications but I'm sure it would cost a few bucks. I've never had a shift cable stiffen up on an outboard. The mechanical connection at the engine can be adjusted and lubed though, look at that.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Aircraft cables are changed often

Change the cables

 

[Chris1956]

Shift and throttle cables should not need lubrication, however, some of them are able to be lubricated. Look closely at the cable end on the motor side. Some have an allen (OMC) or squarehead (Merc) set screw that holds the end to the inner wire. If the end can be removed, you can pull out the center wire and lube it.