Sunroof cable frozen

[Wew]

Hi all,

On my 1982 911 sc coupe the sunroof cable on the passenger side is frozen. The end clip had broken free of the cable which I have repaired. The cable guides have also been removed and cleaned.
I got ahead of myself and thought the reason the roof wasn't working was because of the end clip.
So I went ahead and redid the headliner, which turned out magnificent, but you know what they say, I put the cart before the horse.
Now when I go to put the sunroof back in I can't get the to cables in alignment for the sunroof install. Go figure, the passengers side cable won't move. drivers side moves nicely.

Anyway at this point I have removed the sunroof and sunroof and the sunroof headliner, unzipped the new headliner for access to the motor.

I am looking for advice or links to articles that have addressed this problem specifically.

I read somewhere that the actual cable housings can be the problem but can be removed and cleaned. If this is true, a step by step or anything that one can offer other than me having to remove, damage or stain the new headliner to resolve this, is much appreciated.

Thanks,

Gary

[Wew]

Got restless and went into garage. Took closer look with flashlight and saw the little 8mm bolts attached to the cable housings. Removed both and pulled. I was worried about tearing the headliner, so I pulled off the entire rear area above window and pulled through that opening. I went ahead and took some of the weight off the liner using the blue tape. (If you were wondering) The end piece on passenger side is jb welded and freshly crimped for good measure, hence why I did not pull all the way out. I also removed the motor and bench tested with 9v battery (spins like a champ) more pb blaster and a few tugs with no give on passenger side. Gave it a good pb soaking and am going to let it creep over night and will try again on my way out tomorrow a.m. Any other tips, tricks or advice is appreciated.
Will report back with results tomorrow.

[bugmeat]

I think you've done about all that can be done. If soaking it in PB Blaster doesn't free it, there may be no option but to cut it.

On my car one of the cables was totally rusted/seized inside the guide tubes - no amount of penetrating oil would free it. I had to give in and buy replacement guide tubes (and cables). Lots of guys delete the sunroof, so a used one should be readily available.

These sunroofs are a PITA! I've tackled mine on a few different occasions and it's still not working.

[Targalid]

ATF and acetone, 50/50 works better than PB blaster. Also might try warming the soaking cable with a heat gun.

[Wew]

Thanks bug, hopefully I have better luck. I soaked it again on the way out this morning. Did not try to pull on it, trying to avoid smelling like pb blaster at work.

Targa, what is ATF? Thanks for the heat gun tip, I will try that as well.

Thanks,

Gary

[uwanna]

Also, when you do get it freed up and before putting it back together, clean the cable and the tube up with solvent. It is designed to work WITHOUT any lube, and lube does nothing more than attract dirt and cause the cables to bind up!

[LM3929]

Don't forget to replace the seals at the ends of the tubes or you will have a water leak

Lorne M.

[zedsn]

ATF is Automatic transmission fluid.

[Wew]

Thanks for the heads up..

[Wew]

I understand the frustration with sunroofs now.�� Got everything put back together after the purchase of a 964 right side cable. After some modding to the clip piece and the rails, everything moves nicely. New felt etc installed. 1st test run with move to back and forth about three inches. Excellent. Then I go for the whole enchilada and put all the way forward. The back piece of the sunroof doesn't go up all the way to be flush with the roofline. And now it won't budge. Fuse checked and is in tact but I am not even hearing any type of effort coming from the motor. Seems to be frozen or did I cook the motor and if so something else must be wrong..is there a relay for the switch and or motor? If so I would appreciate some trouble shooting guidance. I checked the ground and the actual power line to the fuse. All are connected nicely.

Thanks for the advice,

Gary.

[ben parrish]

Do your power windows work? On my 86 there is a realy that controls bothe the sunroof and the windows.
The rear alignment, if I remember correctly, can be adjusted?

[ben parrish]

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/765135-what-would-prevent-sunroof-closing-flush-rear.html

[john walker's workshop]

Did you de-fuzz the 964 cables? They drag big time w/fuzz in the old guides.

[Wew]

Thanks gents. No I did not de fuzz the cable. I thought it was some type of pseudo graphite friction helper thingy majiggy. Dang.

[Wew]

Removed the fuzz, cleaned all channels again. The thing moves like a guillotine. Thanks for all the help and insight. Big job for sure. New headliner and interior. I used crv gasket sealer for the plastic rail guides and the cable tube housing. Hope that works, and if anyone has personal experience with what works well or has an opinion on what I applied, I am all ears.
Thanks again,
Gary

[Wew]

Ps. The above is referencing creating a seal to prevent leaks.