17hp Kawasaki Throttle Cable

[CandJ]

I have a 52" Scag with the above engine. Over the last 4 - 5 weeks I have gone through 2 throttle cables. The problem is this - the cable gets hot and the outer covering melts, this freezes the cable in whatever position it was last left in (so I need to remember to leave it in full throttle to restart after it cools). After running the mower for a few minutes, the cable moves just fine. I put another cable on the unit last week, and had the same result by the end of that mowing day. I looked thru the manual to see if a heat shield or something came off, but no. Just wanted to get some input and see if this may be a problem inherent with this engine before I replace another cable.

FYI - I have owned this mower for 1 1/2 years before encountering this problem.

Thanx for any input.

Jim