Cable clutch adjustment/protection questions

[SadbutTrue]

I have a cable clutch in my 66/351w/T5 car. Its a stock foxbody type cable (an aftermarket cable of some sort, came with the T5 and it worked). Right now its routed through the shock tower, a bit towards the front of the car. It has workedg reat but the head of my engine/headers has burned off some of the insulation where it enters the firewall. The cable itself is in good shape.

So first, I need to make some sort of heat shield to protect the cable from heat (and ideally dust/crap that could now get in since the insulations gone). Anyone have a solution that wouldnt' require much more than a trip to pep boys/home depot?

My cars been sitting a while, and I need to tighten the clutch a bit. Whats the general guidelines for how tight the cable should be... or put another way, when and how will I know whether the cable is adjusted to the appropriate amount of play & resistance?
Thanks

 

[golf4283]

For the adjustment of my clutch I just went by feel. I don't know whether there is an actual "perfect" way to do it as you just need to make sure the clutch is fully engaged when out and fully disengaged when in. I did it by myself so it's definitely a one person job just sitting in the car and getting out to adjust.

As far as keeping the cable from getting crap in there it depends on how much of the plastic is gone. If it burned through the whole casing then it's hard to say cause you can't really cover it with anything because it will just rub against the cable itself and eventually fail. If it hasn't worn all the way down then I would say just buy some teflon tape and wrap that around, followed by something stronger like electrical or duct to keep that wrapped nicely.

 

[SadbutTrue]

There's a couple inches where the insulation is completely gone, unfortunately.

 

[woodsnake]

So, did I miss something here? The engine problems are resolved??????

Or, are you just trying to take advantage of down time?

 

[SadbutTrue]

So, did I miss something here? The engine problems are resolved??????

Or, are you just trying to take advantage of down time?

Update forthcoming, had to see it myself to believe it

 

[jcode68]

I would use a thermo sleeve like this - Summit sells them for $15.

Descrption:
Protect your wires and hoses from harsh environments.
Using Thermo-Sleeve will provide your wires and hoses with protection from both radiant and conductive heat. The aluminized sleeving reflects over 90 percent of heat, while the inner material is fireproof and resistant to oil. Combined, the high-temperature fabric and reflective foil skin provide the protection you need in today's high-performance applications.

 

[golf4283]

That's what I have my cable clutch wrapped in as well. His is already in trouble though as part of the protective shield has melted. I would say it's 40 bucks for a new cable and buy the sleeve for it and be done with it.

That's just me though as I like to go with something new whenever possible.