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Subject:Sticking Heater Cables - The cure
From:Woodcock, Frank
Date:Tue, 14 Apr 1998 13:47:34 +0100

My Holdsworth Villa Conversion 1981 Campervan AKA 'Pooh' is undergoing
restoration (Latest photographs at my website
http://frankw.demon.co/pooh.htm )

Sticking Point
The sticking point so far are the heater cables. I have obtained two
sets of heater cables and both the left hand cables had bends which
meant that the cable could be pulled (just) but not push properly. The
'curtain wire' outer cable would just stretch as I pushed the inner
cable.

The cables are made in Italy as VW do not supply them any more so they
are not guaranteed to specification.
The answer to the problem was to pick the cable that appeared to be
straightest when laid flat on the floor. Next I got one person at each
end and pull alternately at each end while I dripped some bike oil (3 in
One lubricant) into the outer cable for about 30 minutes until the cable
was 'full' of oil. (This is family team work only)

Twist in the Tail

Next, I inserted the straight end of the inner cable into a hand drill
and turned the inner cable for a few minutes while one of the team held
the outer cable. This did the trick and freed the cable which is now
pushing as well as pulling.

Was it worth it?
I hope to have all the cables fitted this week and get 'Pooh' on the
road this weekend and take some more photographs for the website. This
time some photographs of the interior, exterior and the shiny new bits
on the engine.

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