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I have a 1962 Vette, and the speedometer hasn't worked since I purchased the car. When I first bought it, the speedometer would barely move as I drove, and then suddenly it started jumping up and down between 0 and 40, to the point that I don't want to drive it. So I took it apart, and the gear seems to be fine, but I'm unsure about the cable. I put the end of the cable in my drill and spun it, and my wife says that the speedo is doing the same thing as I mentioned, jumping up and down. Can anyone tell me if it is more likely my speedometer itself or just the cable? I appreciate you guys!!... John
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Re: Speedometer not working
John, it could be as simple as a dirty cable. If you can pull the entire cable, pull the inner part and wipe the caked grease with a dust free rag. I have used motorcycle chain oil ( a little ) on the cable to free up the really hard grease. When it's clean, lubricate the cable with the motorcycle chain oil or if you can find a grease especially for the spedo cable.
Harry
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Re: Speedometer not working
From your note I am unclear about what you spun. If you spun the Speedometer with a drill and cable end while out of the car and still got the jumping I doubt it is the cable. I have found on my 57 the problem for the speedo and the mechanical tach was the grease in the input sleeve had dried out. I wrote a procedure for the Restorer for tach on how to clean and lube. While the article is on the tach I did the same thing about 15 years ago on the speedo and it still works fine. If you want a copy please email me directly and I will send along with the attachments. I think you can adapt to the speedo.
TedComment
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Re: Speedometer not working
(1) Visually examine the drive ends of the speedo cable.
(2) They should be crisply square to insert into their mating recepticals without slip.
(3) If not, (clamping a cable in a drill doesn't help keep the end square and true) the cable could well be slipping at either or both ends and it's time to replace the inner drive cable, flush your outer cable sheath of dried caked lube, and re-lube....Comment
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