Originally Posted by
goldfinch
From the smallest ring to the middle I can push it over but it pushes with difficulty. From the middle ring to the largest at first I could not move it at all. Pushing hard I can get it to move over to the big ring. Not smoothly. Not really far enough.
So how do I figure out what is holding it back?
Use your eyes, follow the two limit screws down and you'll see what they touch on he moving derailleur. Different derailleurs use different sop points, but whatever they use, you'll see it if you look in the right place (the opposite end of each limit screw).
You might better off removing the FD, and working it in your hands. That will let you see the limit screws in action, and make it easier to massage out any rust or grit that may be interfering with the normal action. When you've got it working, oil everything, let it soak in and continue working until the action is nice and smooth. Now clean it dry with a rag, and it'll be ready to install when you get the cable.
At that point follow any of the tutorials on the net. I always suggest reading/watching a few until you have a good sense of the job before actually starting.