Tri-Flow for new throttle cables?

[moto]

I ask this reluctantly, fearing the result.

I have new throttle cables that I am installing on my T3, probably nylon lined. Should I oil them now to prolong their lives? If so, is Tri-Flow a good choice? Is there a better choice?

This is the kind of question that gets endlessly discussed on the internet. Perhaps here the discussion will be briefer and more authoritative. Or perhaps not!

Thanks in advance. I recognize this amounts to an oil thread. 

Moto

[Guzzistajohn]

Can't see what it would hurt, Tri Flow is the slickest thing known to man.    I sure it'll take about 2 minutes for someone to tell me I'm mistaken    fire up curmudgeons!

[oldbike54]

 If the cables aren't nylon lined , and I doubt that any cable built in 30 years isn't nylon lined then sure . If it is lined then you will need to establish if the chemicals in this miracle lube are compatible with nylon , which of course is employed to negate the need for lube .

 Dusty

[guzzisteve]

Not me, I also lube cables. Just have the right kind that don't gum up the inners. I use Slick 50 lube.

Try it in your old cables, to make sure. I can't remember but I thought I used Tri-flow in them before trying Slick 50.

[Guzzistajohn]

I used to use tri-flow on ultra light titanium wheelchair bearings and axles for my patients. It make a big difference. Good stuff! Super slick!

[Tom]

I've used both.

[bigbikerrick]

I use tri flow on all my cables, always makes them work real smooth. I have never experienced an incompatability issue with any of the cable liners.
Rick

[Tom]

I've also used both for general lubrication on all pivot joints especially the heim joints on shift/brake linkages.

[bad Chad]

Ok, question, and I think I know the answer but,  do modern cables need lube at all?

[Perazzimx14]

If the cables are nylon lined skip the lube.

Tri-Flow works great on trunnions on my Perazzi MX-14. Recommended by Giacomo the Perazzi guru. After 70,000 rounds it still locks up tight as new.

[Tom]

The barrel ends into the handle bars and the brake/clutch levers need the lube more.   

[n3303j]

I was under the distinct impression that cables were lined with Teflon tubes, not Nylon. Teflon is compatible with most common lubricants. It is inert, non-reactive to most chemicals. It is low friction even without additional lubricants.

[oldbike54]

I was under the distinct impression that cables were lined with Teflon tubes, not Nylon. Teflon is compatible with most common lubricants. It is inert, non-reactive to most chemicals. It is low friction even without additional lubricants.

Yeah PTFE .

Dusty

[John A]

I’ve been using lubricant for mig welders cable. Works  well and is formulated to avoid hurting a liner.  If it gets into the carburetor it may short the sparking plug, leading to Hilarity and cruel jokes from your friends.
https://www.amazon.com/Weld-Aid-Lube-Matic%C2%AE-Liquid-Lube-Matic-Oz007040/dp/B009SBAHQY

[moto]

Thanks for all your sensible replies.

I thought a little more about what I wanted to achieve with Tri-Flow. Long life of the cable rather than reduced throttle effort is my goal.

I've seen two types of mechanical failure in cables lately. One, a broken strand in an old throttle cable that doesn't indicate to me any particular tell-tales of its cause. Two, a portion of a nylon (or Teflon?) liner that was worn through inside a curved fitting on another cable. Both of these might be caused in part by friction, I presume.

I searched on the web for "petroleum compatibility of nylon" and found this manufacturer's site indicating it has high resistance to petroleum and a long list of other chemicals:

http://www.kelco.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/nylon-chemical-compatibility-guide.pdf

(Teflon is even more resistant to petroleum according to this list: https://www.calpaclab.com/teflon-ptfe-compatibility/.)

Tri-Flow also contains Teflon as part of its petroleum-based compound. A quick search didn't turn up information on the compatibility of Teflon with nylon, but I think the two would be compatible.

Since I am after a reduction in mechanical wear, I'll just go ahead with a little Tri-Flow as I install the new throttle cables, and expect to see no deterioration of the nylon or Teflon liner (assuming it has one or the other). Since these cables are well-protected by rubber boots I won't worry about the lubricant picking up dirt.

Your comments helped me focus on the issues, and reassured me that I am not completely out of line doing this.

Moto

[blackcat]

Honestly, I don’t remember the last time I broke a throttle cable. Clutch cables yes,  but almost never a throttle cable.