Cable (nipple) checks on throttle and air

[Slide]

Had an unfortunate experience a week ago when I pulled on the air lever (choke). The nipple on the far end of the cable in the carburettor came off and it was sucked straight into the engine (I assume). The engine rapidly died as the carb became fully choked off by the slider.  Luckily I was able to unscrew the top of the carb at the road side, take out the air slide and then re-start to get back on the way... hoping there was no damage to the engine.

Lesson - check the ends of cables before installing and do a tug test. This was a new cable.

Has anyone else had this happen to the air or throttle cables, any engine damage as a result?

Mark

[chaterlea25]

Hi Mark,
Same thing happened me recently with a throttle cable, fortunately before I started the engine
Shi*e pattern cables!!!!! cable was not tinned or splayed when made !! just a touch of solder at the end!!!!!

John

[iansoady]

One reason I always make my own. I've never had a nipple pull off in 40-odd years.

[bsa-bill]

yes I had a new rear brake cable snap while I had my total weight on it to stop the engine turning to tighten the clutch centre nut. lots of bruises in personal areas and a full on test of my then recent hernia repair.
the outer wires of the cable were the only ones soldered the rest just pulled through.
I have now changed my method of holding the engine still after pointers from this formum and jump from a safe distance on new rear brake cables before venturing forth and yes I have a solder bath to make my own

[muskrat]

 You might be lucky Mark, the nipple would be soft and may have gone straight through and out the exhaust without causing any damage. Find an engine reconditioner with an inspection camera to have a look down the plug holes.
 Same as Bill, rear brake nipple, but mine was coming into stop corner at Amaroo Park at full noise. Got the old sphinkter valve working  .
Cheers

[chaterlea25]

Hi All,
Normally I make nearly all my own cables, the one that failed was a universal throttle cable which comes with one end already soldered, (or not as the case may be!!!) I had run out of small carb end titties, so picked up the universal cable from my supplier !
More shite supplied by the "W" brand

I recently bought one of those inspection cameras from Lidl  apart from the flexible fibre shroud being stiffer to bend than the "Snap On" one a friend has its great, it also a rotating screen function so as you can figure out which way up things are!! LOL
I wouldnt be without one now!!

Cheers
John

[bsa-bill]

Hey I've got one of those John, last used to follow some electric cables under the bedroom floor (calm down lads it was just storage heating circuit)
Yes the which way is up thing can be a problem

[Slide]

Thanks friends, the inspection camera idea sounds good for peace of mind so I'll look for one of those, and I'll do a compression check. Hopefuly all will be ok. Only just restored her from scratch (A7 SS) with new liners and pistons, new valves and guides etc. So it had better still be ok 

Yep, I had used an off the shelf cable so as others are saying they can obviously be cr-p. The cable end was dead clean where the nipple had pulled off.  Have now soldered one firmly on from an old cable.

Happy motoring to all