I've removed it completely, and yes, it's the cable itself that's seized, not the slide on the carb or the choke lever itself.
There's no visible rust on the outside, and I've doused it with WD-40 and also with Liquid Wrench. I've anchored the cable end and pulled on the housing so hard that I feel like if I pull any harder, I'm going to deform the cable housing or that metal tube on the handlebar end.
This bad boy is just stuck. I know replacement is the preferred option, but before I go that route, does anyone have any pet tricks to get it unstuck and get another season out of this part?
As always, mucho gracias in advance.
Seized choke cable is typically frayed and jammed inside the housing. Replace it...
Quote from: ivany on April 20, 2009, 10:52:10 AM
Seized choke cable is typically frayed and jammed inside the housing. Replace it...
Well, this is the only response, so I'm gathering that there's no secret way to unfreeze a stuck choke cable. I checked in the OEM seciton on Bike Bandit for this part, and I can't find it on any of the parts diagrams (engine, carb, handlebar controls). Besides ordering it through my local stealership, anyone know where I can obtain this part? The only one I can find on ebay is from a 2005 GS500F and my bike is a 1990 GS500E.
They call it a starter cable, control and brake, handlebar, item 20.
http://www.bikebandit.com/houseofmotorcycles/Suzuki-Motorcycle-GS500EL-1990/o/m6050
They also have sftermarket cable for less.
http://www.bikebandit.com/cables/c/a658106?mg=3607&t=1
I replaced all my cables 5-6 years ago on my 97 GS at 50-60k miles and bought either oem or Motion Pro depending on cost. Some of oem were less than aftermarket. Haven't replaced any yet on my 02 GS with 68k miles.
Thank you ivany and GSjack. I ordered the Motion Pro aftermarket part today. Along with a few other things because well, you know, it's Bike Bandit.
You can pull the choke by hand and pull it, or tag on a zip tie on it and pull that ... so just free up this thing and fit it on ... but then if it breaks, no biggie, replace it. Not like its a clutch or throttle cable.
Cool.
Buddha.
I got a new choke cable sitting at my house but right now I just push it in by hand, warm up for 30 secs and as soon as it sort of stays started ride off. No big deal. I'm perpetually lazy so I might end up not installing it until its time to sell.
After finals I'm installing a bunch of stuff (got a broken header bolt, trashed fork seals (possibly nicked/dented fork), VH exhaust, valve adj, possible major cleaning/pollishing of various parts of the motor) and work to do after finals.. O0
If you replace, pay attention to year of the bike. Starter cable design changed (affects length) and I don't know which year, but it was early on. I suspect it may have to do with switch from clipon bars to MX bars on the USA model? (that would be 1990) But I can't say for sure. BikeBandit for parts fiche for your year of bike and you'll be sure you're getting the right cable.
Natch.