Speedometer Question

ERA 778 · #1 (**permalink**) 01-30-2013, 07:36 PM

I've got a problem with my speedometer and am looking for some help. Maybe some of you guys have seen this before. My speedometer needle swings at speeds between 40 and 50 MPH all the time. If I'm doing anywhere in that range, it swings plus or minus 5 to 7 mph at about one cycle per second. Seems to behave normally at all other speeds.
Basic: Smiths counterclockwise speedometer; Richmond Gear 5 speed transmission, Arthur Allen adapter on transmission, 2.88 rear end.
I think it's been doing this all along. I've got about 3400 miles on the car now.

Thanks,
Hal

Kramer · #2 (**permalink**) 01-30-2013, 07:40 PM

I had a problem with mine for a while as we'll...took it all apart...re-lubed everything and it went away....if that doesn't do it you....FWIW.... I took someone's advise and spun it with a drill for a minute

ERA 778 · #3 (**permalink**) 01-30-2013, 07:50 PM

Thanks. I'd been thinking about re-lubing and trying to improve the cable routing. What type lubricant did you use?

strictlypersonl · #4 (**permalink**) 01-31-2013, 05:56 AM

If you're using the 90 degree adapter at the speedo head, make sure that the square drive is not binding (as per the instructions on page 112 of the latest manual). You can do a quick check by temporarily loosening the nut connecting the adapter to the speedo head.

ERA 778 · #5 (**permalink**) 01-31-2013, 07:28 AM

The adapter is at the transmission end, so hopefully I don't have that problem. Other than between 40 and 50 mph, the speedo works fine and is accurate. (Checked with GPS)

I suspect the main issue is that a radius is too tight on the cable somewhere. When I pull things apart to re-lube, I'll see if I can make any improvements in the routing.

DanEC · #6 (**permalink**) 01-31-2013, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ERA 778

Thanks. I'd been thinking about re-lubing and trying to improve the cable routing. What type lubricant did you use?

Cable lube is typically suppose to be graphite lubricant. Good luck finding it - it's around but doesn't seem to be as commonly available as years ago. Electronic speedometers I guess.

Kramer · #7 (**permalink**) 01-31-2013, 01:29 PM

agree on the cable lube.....fyi my 90 degree adaptar is behind the speedo....the adaptor I have at the transmission is for calibrating the right speed.

Grubby · #8 (**permalink**) 01-31-2013, 04:11 PM

Agree with cable routing and lube. Sharp bends will cause that.

John

ERA 778 · #9 (**permalink**) 08-22-2013, 02:47 PM

Update on my problem: was under the car for the first time in a LONG time last week and checked the speedometer cable routing. It had a couple of rather tight bends where it was anchored using plastic cable ties. I cut the two ties and threw them away. Now the speedometer is MUCH better! Only swings 1 or 2 mph at most! I'm very pleased with the improvement!

Hal

joyridin' · #10 (**permalink**) 08-22-2013, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanEC

Cable lube is typically suppose to be graphite lubricant. Good luck finding it - it's around but doesn't seem to be as commonly available as years ago. Electronic speedometers I guess.

If you have any lock shops, they carry it. There is a Sears lock shop near here. They have tubes and tubes of it.