9 replies to this topic

[RWRio93]

my question relates to a centre speedo which no longer seems to work similarly the mileage is not changing either....

 

the speedo cable is brand new and i believe i have fitted it correctly...

 

could the speedo itself be broken?

 

does anyone have any ideas on what to check or what it might be?

 

thank you

[Leics1275]

Remove the cable from the back of the clock, get the wheels off the ground and run the engine in gear (Gently), does the centre of the cable(spindle) turn. if so, that would point to connection/clock problem

 

If it doesn't spin, it's not in the engine housing properly,or broken

[RWRio93]

thank you.. if the spindle does turn is there any way I can independanty test the clock? do you know if the clocks can be repaired?

[alex-95]

Or if you hold the speedo end and try to turn it, it shouldn't turn. if it does then it's probably not engaged at the engine end.

[Leics1275]

Think clock repair,would be pretty hard to find not to mention expensive,where as a replacement, would probably cost you less,

 

Testing? find,or fabricate a small rod the same dimension as the cable spindle,insert and turn possibly

 

Not overly sure myself, maybe someone with more knowledge will be by soon

[alex-95]

To test the speedo I think people use a match stick in the end, or you could use the end of the old speedo cable.

[Gremlin]

small screwdriver works a treat

[dklawson]

Remove the speedometer from the car.

 

Take a nail or rod and file a square profile on its tip so it fits the square hole in the back of the speedometer.  Chuck the re-shaped nail in an electric drill and set the drill to run in reverse (counterclockwise).  Hold the re-shaped nail to the drive hole in the speedometer and run the drill slowly.  If the needle and odometer move, the problem is the cable to gauge connection.  If it doesn't you are looking at speedometer repair.

 

Also check the top end of the speedometer cable core while the gauge is out.  Early cables were typically ground "square" to fit the speedometer.   Later cables are often swaged to form an oval instead.  The oval doesn't always fit the speedometer's drive hole well.  Examine the cable end carefully if the speedometer appears to be working properly with the drill.

 

Speedometers can be repaired but I have no idea how much it costs in the U.K.  Contact Speedy Cables and ask for a general guideline for what you can expect to pay.

[RWRio93]

ok... so ive removed the cable from the back of the speedo and run the car up on blocks in first gear- the spindle/cable does turn.

 

Ive then tested the clock on the bench with an improvised spindle in the back as advised... the speedo works and the odometer turns..

 

BUT... when put back together nothing........what is going on? could it be the worm gear?

 

any pointers/help/advice would be great. thank you

[dklawson]

Disconnect the cable again at the speedo end.  Repeat your running of the car on stands but this time gently grab the end of the cable with your fingers.  If the cable gets to a point and stops rotating then your car may have a damaged drive gear in the gearbox OR the lower end of the cable may be misshaped as I mentioned above.  If the cable continues to turn against your fingers, look carefully at the upper end of the cable to see if it is misshaped.  Either end of the cable may have the oval crimping (instead of square profile).  If the oval is too small the cable can slip (at either end) and not drive the speedometer.

 

EDIT:  Also see the thread linked below to see if it can be of help.

http://www.theminifo...-cable-fitting/

Edited by dklawson, 25 August 2013 - 03:21 PM.