818 Shift Cables Maintenace

[Dave 53]

I have the FFR long *** shift cables and aluminum shifter. After 13,000 miles, it feels like it's taking more effort to shift gears to the point that it's becoming unbearable. The 3 - 2 downshift is particularly difficult. When I disconnect the shift cables from the transmission linkage, I can easily find each gear working the shift forks directly, so I'm theorizing the cables are to blame and probably need a cleaning and lube.

I have a boat that has a diesel engine and a push / pull cable system similar to my 818 shift cables to shut the engine down. After many years, it too became difficult, so I sprayed a bunch to WD40 into the cable housing because it's what I had aboard. It was better for a few pulls until it totally seized up! Still can't figure out why that happened. So, before I go spraying some product that I happen to have... is there a procedure and preferable products to use to get the shift cables back to new? Or do they have a 14,000 mile life.