Odometer stops at 99,999

stickshift

stickshift

Senior Member
I googled this but found no info. I have a Waltham speedo on my 31 truck. The speedo works fine and I have road tested it up to 40MPH which is pretty good for an AA. The problem is the odometer has been stuck at 99,999 since I got the truck. This bugged me so I pulled it out yesterday to have a look. I was surprised to see a lead stamped seal with short cable on the case, I suppose to deter tampering. After opening, I saw the issue. The drive gear popped out of place. I tried to turn the odometer spool by hand and it works backwards, but hits a brick wall at 99,999 and won't go any further. I think this is what caused the drive gear to drive out of place. I guess nobody expected these old cars to ever reach 100K sort of like when gas went over 99 cents a gallon, they had to cut another window on the older pumps to add the 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 and out here in Ca. the 6. Don't get me started on Diesel prices. Back to the subject, is this normal for the odometer to stop? I always thought they just turn over and start from zero.
 
The grease has dried rock hard on the odometer wheels, stopping them from turning. At that millage, the force to turn over the whole system is too little and hopefully it didn't shear the rotating pins on the interior of each number wheel. The oddo wheels need to be removed from their shaft, cleaned & lubricated. Instructions are available at Bob Johnson's cabriolet site. It's a little tedious but can be done if you keep everything in order.
 
The old speedo odometers are sensitive to any debris that gets in them. As the paint or decals deteriorate, the little pieces start breaking free and it doesn't take much to jam an odometer. There are still several rebuildes around that can repair or overhaul it. Papa Nic is one that hangs here on the Ford Barn.
 
Ray in La Mesa, you were spot on with the diagnosis. 92 year old grease does tend to harden up. I injected some MMO in between the wheels on the odometer and let it sit. After a few hours, it was free enough to turn over by hand. The numbers are in good shape considering the age, except for a little sun fading. After doing a clean and servicing I saw on a Paul Shinn video, reinstalled and back in business. I don't think I'll be around the next time it reaches 99,999 and see what happens but it will do for now. Thanks for the replies, it's all about helping each other to keep the "A" team alive.
 
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