Tach Cable Lube

[Bill S.]

I am having the distributor rebuilt on my 66 and am wondering if I should lube the tach cable with graphite or buy a special lubricant for it? I recall a post from this message board stating a oil based lubricant is not a good idea. Any suggestions?

Thanks Bill

[John H.]

Re: Tach Cable Lube

Bill -

CC sells a product called "Kable-Ease" made specifically for lubrication of tach and speedo cables - have used it for years, never had a problem or a jerky needle. #211002, $2.65 for a 1/2 oz. tube.

John

[Tony H.]

Re: Tach Cable Lube

NAPA also sells a special speedometer cable lube.

[Tom B.]

Re: Tach Cable Lube

Bill,

At one time it was recommended to me to use white lithium grease. I used it for a "squeaky" tach cable and it has worked well. TBarr #24014

[Jack H.]

Re: Tach Cable Lube

Yep, worked fine on my uncle's '58 UNTIL he fired 'er up one winter day where it was pushing -30F. Almost from the git go, there was a screaming/knashing sound, followed by a 'snap', then silence as the tach needle fell to zero....

[Tom B.]

Re: Clarification?

Jack,

Is this white lithium grease not a good recommendation, or just the part of driving in -30 degree weather? :-) TBarr #24014

[Jack H.]

Re: Clarification?

Where does your white lithium grease begin to harden once it's contaminated with surrounding 'crud' in the drive case? Point was -30F presents SEVERE driving stress (ask our friends in Alaska) and my uncle's problem was the grease hardened SUFFICIENTLY to cause the cable enough increased friction to snap the drive end. That's why 'special' dry lubricants (generally graphite based) are recommended for these kinds of applications. You'll never see a pro locksmith using petroleum based lubes in door/ignition lock sets for the same reason and there we're not talking about any appreciable RPM action....

[Tom B.]

Re: Thanks

Thanks Jack. If you see a problem with the white lithium grease then I can appreciate that. I'm a little puzzled though, since several months ago the same titled message was posted twice (within a short period of time, and one was mine) asking for the same information. White lithium grease was one of the recommendations, too, and no one caught the problem then. Thanks. TBarr #24014