speedometer problem

[Bob Imhoff (46494)]

The needle flutters at any speed

[Robert Schenkel (42286)]

Re: speedometer problem

I presume you do not have an electronic speedometer. Try removing the cable from the casing and using some cable lube.

[Dave Suesz]

It might also

be useful to put some gun oil on the shaft of the speedometer. If the old lube is gone or gummy, it would give the drive cable resistance, causing the cable to act like a torsion spring.

[Albert Perratore (45687)]

Re: It might also

A product called "Kable Ease" (not sure of the spelling) used on the lower 3/4 of the speedo cable will help.

[Richard Mozzetta (13499)]

Re:speedometer problem

In my case, it was the rotating drum behind the needle. I verified by connecting a drill to a spare well lubed cable connected to the speedo. This told me it was the head. When I got it apart, there was dirt and junk on the drum and spring, intermittently hitting the rotating magnets. It doesn't take much. I cleaned everything, relubed the shaft bearings and it was fine. May be wise to a rough check too. I just set the drill to read 60mph, ticked 1 mile on the odometer, for 1 minute. A few iterations to be sure, then did the same at 30mph, 1/2 mile, for 1 minute. There's a lever on the drum housing to adjust if it's off. It adjusts tension on the (very delicate) spring.

[Wayne Kindschy (33314)]

Re:speedometer problem

Rich,

Can the procedure you descibed be done with unit in the car? Also do you have a picture to identify the lever on the drum housing and which way to move it for the correction and how much to move it at a time?

Wayne

[Richard Mozzetta (13499)]

Re:speedometer problem

Hi Wayne,

To diagnose the cause of the flutter, yes with the speedo still in the car I removed the cable from the back, then connected my spare to the drill. After I figured it was in the head I pulled the unit out. You must pull the cluster housing out then remove the speedo unit from it to get to the movement. You have to take the speedo apart to get at the housing. To remove the needle(it's a press fit on the brass axle), gently pry it up with a tiny screwdriver at the base. In my case I opted for a new bezel and needle while I was at it. I should have taken pictures of the process but was in a hurry to fix it.

Sorry but I just did a trial and error on the adjustment to get it right. The lever is easily accessible. It's a flat bar that goes across the housing that connects to the spring. It is very delicate so be careful if you attempt to take it apart to clean and lube.

Rich