Cost to rebuild a Smith spedo..

mnm99 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-15-2014, 05:31 AM

Well I thought I fixed my speedometer since the reverser was broken inside. I got the new reverser from Nisonger. My odometer is now working, but the gauge is jumping all over the place. It could be the cable or the gauge. Here's my delema. Should I get a cable and see if that fixed it. If that doesn't it's the gauge. What's the cost to rebuild the gauge. I could replace everything before I find the problem. I'm thinking of just getting an electric and calling it a day. I have a TKO600 and it has the sensor on it already. Just need to get the pigtail and plug. What do you think I should do?

Blas · #2 (**permalink**) 05-15-2014, 05:37 AM

You probably just rerouted the cable making a sharper bend or tightened the end connector too much. try a little adjustment to the cable path and slightly loosening the cable connector. same goes for reverser. did you remove it or reorient it or over tighten it?

mnm99 · #3 (**permalink**) 05-15-2014, 06:00 AM

Before I reconnected the 90 I tested the gauge with a drill. It seemed pretty smooth going up to like 40 mph. I never re-routed the cable. this is how I got it when I bought the car. The 90 on the gauge can spin slightly. I didn't crank it down so it couldn't swivel. the cable to the 90 is only hand tight. No tools used. also before I installed the gauge I went for a ride and the cable spun what seemed to be steady, but not sure if that's even a test. How loose should the 90 be on the gauge?

DanEC · #4 (**permalink**) 05-15-2014, 07:05 AM

ERA cautions that the shaft on the reversers is often too long and binds the speedometer when installed tightly to it. They recommend measuring the depth of the shaft and the speedometer recess carefully and using small washers in the connection to make sure the shaft doesn't bottom out and bind the speedometer up. Could be the issue with yours.

Austin_Snake · #5 (**permalink**) 05-15-2014, 07:15 AM

I recently was in touch with Nissonger for a problem with my Smith mechanical speedometer.
The cost for a repair is $175 and approximately 4 weeks turn around. For an extra 50 bucks you can get it expedited and then work done in a few days. shipping is extra ....
They want you to send the reversing gear attached to verify it is engaging properly and not part of the problem.

Instrument rebuilding:
Nisonger Instruments :: the exclusive Smiths U.S. Warranty & Service Center since 1949

Shippping instruction:
Nisonger Instruments :: the exclusive Smiths U.S. Warranty & Service Center since 1949

Hope this helps,
Richard
Exact 427
Austin TX

mnm99 · #6 (**permalink**) 05-15-2014, 09:46 AM

I think I'm just going to go with an electric smith from APT and be done with it.. I'n the long run I don't have to worry about it anymore. I already have the sender on the pass side (tko600). Just going to get the plug and pigtail. I'm going to send it out to them also to get checked out to be OK then probably sell the gauge and new reverser to recoup some cash. Thanks for your help guys..

Blas · #7 (**permalink**) 05-15-2014, 09:56 AM

But did the speedo work ok before you fixed it?

mnm99 · #8 (**permalink**) 05-15-2014, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blas

But did the speedo work ok before you fixed it?

No. I bought the car like this. Don't know the speedo history. I just ordered the electric speedo, plug and adapter. Question...When I remove the cable from the trans and install the plug, do I have to worry about fluid coming out?
Thanks