4 replies to this topic

[Chriss]

Hi all,

Few questions,

How Easy is it to change a Speedo cable? Mine has snapped! Would this be the correct one to replace it Here? I have a 1988 Mini City E with a 1275 Engine and the 3 dial cluster..

Also my Rev counter is way out, when the car is idling it's telling me it's doing 2k revs? Is there a way i can adjust this myself or do i need to send it off to somebody?

Thanks

Chris

[Gulfclubby]

You may want to verify the rev counter is out by using a timing light first. Unless it is a programmable rev counter that is set to the wrong configuration, you most likely won't be able to fix the problem yourself. They can be adjusted, but I wouldn't know how exactly, so can't help you there. In any case, a replacement may be cheaper.

[dklawson]

Hey Ben! Welcome home/back!

Cable replacement at the "top" is easy, accessing the bottom connection at the gearbox is difficult. Everyone has their own preferred method. I suggest using a "stubby" open end wrench and removing the 7/16 AF bolt holding the cable attachment flange to the gearbox. That will allow you to unscrew the old cable and attach the new one without working on your back under the car.

For the tach, start with the seemingly unrelated and simple things. There will be a tachometer sense wire attached to the coil (-) terminal. Clean all the coil terminals until they are bare and clean. Do the same for the crimp connectors on the end of the wires. Make sure the crimp connectors are tight when they push onto the coil. If not, squeeze them closed a bit with pliers and try again. If you have a points type ignition, clean and re-gap the points and replace the condenser while you are there. Behind the dashboard, make sure all the wiring connections are secure to and on the gauge cluster.

If none of that helps, BORROW an ignition coil from someone and try a new coil. Do not buy a coil "just to see" if that is the problem. If none of this helps, try a tune-up tach to see if it also has problems reading your engine speed. (You can set the tune-up tach to 8 cylinder for this test. In 8-cylinder mode it will display 1/2 the actual engine speed but it will allow you to test drive the car at higher RPM for your test. Just remember to multiply the tach's display by 2.) If the tune-up tach behaves but the dashboard tach does not, it is time to send the gauge for professional repair/restoration.

[Gulfclubby]

Hi Doug and thanks. You missed Bingley Hall last weekend, would be great to see you there one day:)

[Chriss]

Thanks guys.

I'll have to have a play about with the rev counter then. Do you know what length speedo cable i would need?

Thanks