Speedo Issue

Junior

Junior

Member
Hoping someone here has some experience with "oval" speedometers. MPH works great but the mileage and trip numbers will not turn at all while driving. Took the speedo out and turned with a drill. MPH works great but no mileage or trip rotation so I know it's not the cable. I can pull the trip pin out and the trip numbers spin. I was going to bite the bullet and try to take the thing apart but I thought I would try here for any advise first.
 
It will likley need a rebuild. Go over to the "Swap Meet" from this page ( link at the top of this page ). Do a search for "oval speedometer", there is a fellow who advertises rebuilt units for sale. He can probably help you out.
 
This is a rebuilt from a guy who was recommended a couple of years ago. He's not around anymore. Probably has 300 miles on it.
 
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The trip meter is easily accessible. I suggest you take it apart (carefully) and you'll be able to see it all as it works when you open it up. You won't have to go any further than the trip meter to see what the problem is. Probably something simple like a gear not lining up properly or a bit of dried grease. If it isn't readily apparent, then consider sending out to a rebuilder; but I think you'll find the trouble yourself.

I would also suggest that you do not run the speedo with your drill motor.
 
Junior: sounds like either the odometer drive gear is stripped, or is spinning on the shaft. If the rest of the unit is ok, numbers are good and is in calibration, it can just be repaired. Like Ray said if the grease in the odometer unit is stiff, then it will need to come all the way apart. I repair and restore these things, if you want to, check out my website, marksspeedometer.com
For repairs, I inspect the unit, then contact the owner and give him the options and costs of the repairs before any work is done.
 
Bob Johnson said:
If you want to try to fix it yourself see the link below for information.

Bob



Speedometer information
Click to expand...

Thanks for posting that, Bob. I couldn't remember where that link was. I talked to Gordon Fischer shortly before he died, and he said he reread his speedo info and it didn't make sense; he wanted to rewrite it, but never got to it. I think there's still good info there, though I haven't made the special tools to try it out yet. One of these days....
 
After all the insight and resources from the feedback, I think I will attempt to try to repair the odometer using a old core that I have as a guide. I plan to journal this experience here and will post my progress and findings with notes, images and maybe video via YouTube. The odometer may spin backwards or like a worn out slot machine when I get done, but I am going to try. Wish me luck.
 
When I restored my coupe 8 years ago.I noticed that the odo didnt work.I took speedo apart & cleaned & greased & oiled the parts & carefully took the odo apart as I had never had an odo apart before.I found that in my case, the tenths odo wheel had a particle of something smaller than a grain of sand & when a gear got up to that point,it jammed & would not allow the next odo wheel to turn.Along with a lubed cable--you should only lube the upper foot of cable sparingly as the light grease may have a tendency to work its way into the speedo.If the inner cable is wound in the wrong direction,it will have a tendency to move lubricant into speedo .Dont know off hand which way the inner cable turns.Also,dont be cheap & only replace the inner cable.Sometimes the outer casing can look just fine. & remember to PRELUBE the inner cable.Some just install them & wonder why the cable doesnt last long!
 
Update: Chris Cushman has sold his Model A speedometer business. I, Mark Nelson am now restoring and repairing the speedometers. I have worked very closly with Chris during the transition period, and am striving to achieve the same level of excellent service that he provided. My rebuilt units come with a 2 year warranty. Chris is still working on speedos, just not the A's. Any questions, give me a call. marksspeedometer.com is my website.
 
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