Gummy shifters and other nuisances

[Blu]

I have a Shimano EF-51 Shifter/Brake Lever Combo (there's a link to a good picture of it on Amazon at the bottom). Very old (I've had the bike 6+ years and I got it used) never really worked right, but when I took the plastic covers off and started fiddling they got a lot better (mostly just needed to be cleaned). However, despite using degreaser multiple times they still feel sticky and hard to push into the next higher gear. I replaced the shifter cables and adjusted the derailleurs so as far as I know it is inside the shifting mechanism itself.

Any suggestions besides replacing the whole shebang?

Also, one of the plastic transparent covers fell off, and the only solution I've been offered to keep dirt and dust out is clear plastic tape... I was hoping you guys might have a more permanent solution.

Link to picture

[Painkiller]

The beauty of the ef-51 shifters you have is the fact that if one has an older 7 or 8 speed bicycle and needs an alternative shifter even though not exactly of "era". They are a good one to use instead of Grip or twist shifter types. The reason is because of price. VERY AFFORDABLE ! If you had problems with these from the get go, it is because of other un-noticed issues like improper setup.
With that said I would recommend buying a new set for the 7 or 8 speed you have, and be done with it. $30 dollars well spent.
Just make sure that you check the rear derailluer alignment and all are installed properly. These shifters have been used on $800 bicycles up to at least 2011 and are an available product. It would be in your favor to buy new and you are good to go for another 5 to 10 years. I am well a tuned to higher end components and realize that a line must be drawn for practical purposes and even I recommend these shifters for the budget minded consumer that does not want gripshifts including myself. Nothing is forever ( my wife has threatened to stay with me forever) but sometimes you should just replace. they are good for the money and work well for v or mechanical brakes

[Blu]

Sweet! Thanks.