Speedometer. Should I give it a try ?

james hitchcock

Well-known member
I was just wanting feedback on if I should try to work on my 31 rnd speedometer. I've worked on most everything else on Ol Walter but never the speedometer. Is this something left to the professionals ? I had finally put the speedo cable on and had just assumed all worked. I got nothing. Let me know your thoughts, and if any videos available on this repair.
Thanks James.
 
Here is a link to an article on speedometer repair. It is written for the oval speedometer, but the round is a lot easier to work on. Read the article and make your own decision.

Handouts courtesy of THE BEAVER CHAPTER, MAFCA Portland, Oregon.​
Article and Sketches by Gordon Fischer. Copyright 6-12-94​


http://www.modelahouse.com/tech/speedometer/fischer.html
 
I worked on mine a while back. It wasn't so bad (and my mechanical skills aren't the best). If you work on your and it doesn't work when you are done, don't forget it didn't work before you started and you can always send it out then.
 
First make sure the speedometer cable is spinning. You might need a driven gear at the torque tube, or some other problem at the lower end.
 
I did mine, works great now.
Treat it like surgery, get all the old hard grease out, re-lube everything.
Put it back together, test it with a drill before installing.
I did not re-do my number (will do this winter)
Good luck
 
I second all these comments, I was able to refurbish my round Waltham using the article as a guide. They are easy to disassemble and clean. The only delicate part is the clockspring on the speed wheel.
 
There is a certain satisfaction to being able to say that you did it. Give it a try ! All you have to lose is a little time! Mine was clogged with old grease and after I removed
The grease and lubricated it, it worked fine! Wayne
 
The main shaft must turn freely. Many of them bind up and won't turn. Big job freeing it up. That article is a good one.
 
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