Someone Who Knows About Cars - HELP!

[glatt]

Originally Posted by tw

Cables typically use a plastic sheath that is self lubricating. Some lubricating oils actually act like sand on those self lubricating plastics. Generally I might touch a dab of water resistant grease where the cable enters it sheath. Just to keep water out. But for the most part, a best solution is to do nothing. To not contaminate that self lubricating plastic.

The cable to the dead man's handle on my lawnmower broke on Saturday. It had been sticking in the previous season so the lawnmower wouldn't shut off when you let go of the handle. No way to remove the cable and clean it. But I did try cleaning the inch or two exposed portion the best I could, and I shit you not, spraying WD-40 on the exposed cable. The WD-40 loosened it up so that it worked again. But then after a year or so, the cable snapped over this past weekend. Couldn't start the mower. So I got some "bailing wire" and manually clamped the throttle open so that the safety system was bypassed and the lawnmower, once started, could only be shut off by taking the wire off the spark plug. Works great now.

I debated keeping it that way forever, but I've already placed an order with Toro for a replacement cable. Don't want to get in trouble if someone cuts off a hand.

[tw]

Reviewing those pictures, a yellow arrow on the right point to where the cable attaches to a clamp. Did Jim move something there? Nothing should have moved. Those nuts, once attached, should not move. That cable should never become loose from its clamp. Are those nuts loose (also called finger tight)? If yes, they must be wrench tightened. And then dap nail polish in a small spot where that nut touches threads. Nail polish acts both as a glue and identifies a 'lose' nut.

[Undertoad]

We use zip ties for that purpose. I was going to try to find my needle-nose vise grips though, to be pro about it.

Or one of the old, cut-off clamps from jumper cables. I used that to stop my muffler from dragging once. Remove all the insulation, and it's a pretty nice portable metal clamp.

[Pete Zicato]

Originally Posted by Undertoad

We use zip ties for that purpose. I was going to try to find my needle-nose vise grips though, to be pro about it.

Or one of the old, cut-off clamps from jumper cables. I used that to stop my muffler from dragging once. Remove all the insulation, and it's a pretty nice portable metal clamp.

I was wondering what a cut-off clamp was, and why I don't remember such a thing.

But I've got it figured out now.

[ZenGum]

In years past, I've used some good fencing wire both as a replacement accelerator cable AND to keep a muffler off the ground.

Okay, blokes, what's in your kludge kit?

Mine:
Duct tape
WD-40 or similar
Good stout wire
pliers or similar

[plthijinx]

Originally Posted by ZenGum

Okay, blokes, what's in your kludge kit?

rather than describe....i thought pics were more appropriate....my trusty little husky handbag/briefcase. i don't go anywhere without it. i can work on 12 to 480v during the day and unfuck video game token slots at night. what i don't have in my kit we either have it locked up in a cabinet at work or i borrow it from someone. which isn't often.

[plthijinx]

close up:

[monster]

blokes only. mmmkay. you might be missing out though. Maybe.

I have a fire extinguisher and a shitload of rubber bands among other things. Have I piqued your curiosity?

[monster]

(you didn't mean to type clunge, did you?)

[zippyt]

Cool Kit There Fly boy
Gotz to have the Uglys reference !!!!

Mon I have No Doubt that you are ontop of things ,

My truck is My kit , ill have to take some Pics of the compartments

Now the wifes car doesnt have Squat for tools , but she has an inflater Jumpercables ( and Knows how to use them !!!) ,
if we are headed out for an extended time I grab my tool bag

[monster]

I has jumper cables and charged starter too... i also have tape in many formats and bungees out the wazoo. Tools are limited, but I'm inventive

[ZenGum]

I dunno, Plthijinx, I think that has gone beyond kludging. Those are proper tools.

[SamIam]

Jeez, I love plthijinx's kit! Now, if only I could find a man with one of those around here, I think I'd be in love!

I have one of those thingies like a Swiss army life which unfolds to contain screw drivers, etc; one of those liquid tire inflater gizmos; lots of flashlights, a garmen GPS, the complete set of 15 minute quad atlases for Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona, 20 gallons of water, enough canned goods to last 3 weeks, 3-in-1 pepper spray + military tear gas + UV marking dye, and a tow rope. This is all for the truck. I add to the stash as I get the money.

[Undertoad]

Pliers heavy-duty enough to pull a nail out of a tire, and needle-nosey enough to get into installed motherboards. Wire cutting/stripping. Strong stainless steel blade you can flip open and lock with one hand. Bit driver with exchangable bits. Sturdy enough to be run over by a truck and survive.

But most importantly of all... bottle opener.

[monster]

I have a swiss army knife too. And tweezers and scissors.