Speedometer cable question. Failure.

Vanspeed

Vanspeed

Well-known member
In my attempts to put my fuel system back together in my f-1 I noticed something. While I was underneath routing the new fuel line, I noticed my brand new speedometer cable was almost in a knot. I quickly went to remove it from the trans and the end is completely twisted off. What would have caused this? I got the cable from macs and it seemed very smooth. I tightened both ends snugg at the speedo and trans. The cable looks like it was spinning with the internal shaft until it ripped off??
 
It could have been too long, it wouldn't take much extra, and that's not uncommon with replacements. Can't really blame the source either, as it's up to the user to make final adjustment of length.
It could also have been dried up grease in the speedo itself.
 
As ford38v8 has said, the inner cable could be too long and when the outer cable end nuts are tightened up the too long inner cable is jammed up and not able to freely turn. Also inner cable has to be lubed otherwise it will bind up. Cable should be routed with nice smooth curves and no sharp bends. Regards, Kevin.
 
You know I never did check it. My speedo works so I know that was not the problem. I have a new one coming so I will check the length this time. Did oem cables need to be checked for length? I doubt it. If that is the case I would love a small piece of paper along with the cable suggesting modification right out of the box. Very frustrating.
 
The upper end can slide into the speedo quite a ways without bottoming. I've had three in my truck and didn't need to do anything with them. If anything, the sharp 90-deg bend to fit under the trans cover is the weak area. I broke my last one there by sitting on the cover right over it.

My routing is to go from the trans over to the RH frame rail, along there to about where the starter is, then up to the battery tray where I tie it off, then arc over to the plug on the firewall. But.. I just realized yours is a 48, I believe they ran inside the cab over to the RH side of the trans before going thru the firewall? Or is that the e-brake cable? I know there is a difference in 48-50 vs 51-52.
 
Ross, with all due respect regarding your experience, it doesn't do anybody any good for you to be bashing others first hand experience. How bout getting on board with that, OK?
 
I had a similar problem with 1939 speedometer cable. Cable drive was broken so I installed a new cable which broke immediately. Turns out the gauge was frozen. Jon Laing
 
Yes it runs inside the cab along the firewall then out through a hole. When the new one arrives I will double check everything before taking it for a spin.
 
Check the speedometer itself, if you can't spin the input with the tips of your fingers, it is too tight and needs to be serviced. I see this quite often, as the main frame inside the instrument is pot metal, which swells over time while the steel parts don't.
 
I know the OP said his worked, but mine twisted in two from a frozen speedo also. Took an overnight soaking and lots of patience working with a drill and adapter to get it back working without breaking anything.
 
ford38v8 said:
Ross, with all due respect regarding your experience, it doesn't do anybody any good for you to be bashing others first hand experience. How bout getting on board with that, OK?
Click to expand...

Sorry, I just don't know what you think I'm bashing? :confused: Please elaborate or PM me
 
Ross . From my point I see nothing wrong with your post. ford 38 must have got up on the wrong side of the bed. I do that sometimes.
 
Ross F-1 said:
The upper end can slide into the speedo quite a ways without bottoming. I've had three in my truck and didn't need to do anything with them. If anything, the sharp 90-deg bend...
Click to expand...

Ross, Perhaps I was oversensitive, but my takeaway from your post was that you were in denial of what I had offered. I suppose that to one who had never seen it happen, it might seem far fetched, so I too will apologize to you and the others who didn't see my point. ...And yes, at our age, we're all lucky to get out of bed at all, let alone find the right side to get out of!
 
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