3

Context: I have a Husqvarna 1830HV snowblower. The chute is controlled by steel cables a lot like bike brake cables. They work almost exactly like bike brake cables, in fact, except for the fact that they are solid, so the cable can both push and pull, and there is no recoil spring, so the cable stays in a fixed position.

Trouble: It being winter, snow gets all over the machine. When it gets above zero, the snow melts and gets into the rubber casing around the steel cable. Then when it freezes again, the cable jams in place.

Solution: I don't know. Any ideas?

anonymous2
  • 5,255
  • 3
  • 30
  • 59

3 Answers3

4

I would apply a silicone grease or silicone spray lubricant into the opening regardless of your freezing issue, this will definitely help with displacing and preventing moisture build-up. Plus, it will operate more smoothly.

To address the problem, I assume this is happening during storage?

Can you store it such that it doesn't get wet or snowed on?

If it's happening during use, then I would suggest coating the opening with a thick silicone or red rubber grease, failing that, you could cable tie some flexible plastic tubing or use heatshrink tubing to cover the area where moisture/snow is getting in.

DizzyFool
  • 1,571
  • 2
  • 12
  • 24
2

I would make sure the rubber covers don't have splits in them. then use a water dispersant, WD40 is one example, in copious amounts to get any moisture out. Then re-treat as often as necessary. I had this happen with a throttle cable on a commercial van - the moisture froze and the engine could not shut down - my Dad was swearing a lot about that!!

Solar Mike
  • 34,681
  • 2
  • 30
  • 59
2

I fixed my frozen cables by injecting antifreeze into them at the cable ends. 2 winters ago I tried this and the cables remain unfrozen in winter. The challenge is finding a location you can inject into using a fine point syringe.

Dave Foote
  • 21
  • 1