Thank you all. I do listen.
- The cable IS stiff and I will replace it. I just did that for my RD last week - I managed to snake it into the housing without unwrapping the handlebars.
- After lots of Carb cleaner, the old FD moves freely and the pivots don't seem sloppy. Plus it's had very little use - on most rides, I never shift out of the 43 cog (11-34 in the rear!).
- But the H & L screws are frozen - I hit it with PB Blaster, hit the housing to create vibrations, and it is now soaking. Previously I had "adjusted the limit" on the small (H?) cog using the barrel adjuster. It has been frozen for a long time.
- I will buy a new one if I can't get it to work. I's like the option to pedal when I'm going faster than 28 MPH (even though that's rare now in my 70's).
- And I will add the missing link to the chain before using it. For now, I am using another new chain I had on hand.
So thanks.