Speedometer Not Working...

[Samplingman]

....but the odometer moves. I removed the cluster last month to clean and fix some electrical issues and check on the non-functioning speedometer. The cable was bad and then the tip broke off. I replaced the cable and reassembled. The speedometer tested good with the drill on the cable end, but after installing and taking for a drive the odometer turns but nothing at the needle. Granted, I'm on a side street so I wasn't moving more than 25 mph, but still expected something. I haven't yet removed the speedometer gear in the transmission, but confirmed the correct clamp position. Could the gear be the problem? Would it still spin the odometer but not the needle if I had the wrong amount of teeth?

 

[Big_John]

If the odometer is working, it would seem to me that the gear and cable are good. I haven't had a speedometer apart in decades, so I can't be a lot of help here... Maybe the cable isn't engaged far enough into the head?? That's just a guess.

 

[Gerald Morris]

....but the odometer moves. I removed the cluster last month to clean and fix some electrical issues and check on the non-functioning speedometer. The cable was bad and then the tip broke off. I replaced the cable and reassembled. The speedometer tested good with the drill on the cable end, but after installing and taking for a drive the odometer turns but nothing at the needle. Granted, I'm on a side street so I wasn't moving more than 25 mph, but still expected something. I haven't yet removed the speedometer gear in the transmission, but confirmed the correct clamp position. Could the gear be the problem? Would it still spin the odometer but not the needle if I had the wrong amount of teeth?

Try spinning the cable with the drill now. If you can get some needle, conclude the speedo pinion gear is failing somehow. I don't expect you to get a needle right now though.

 

[sb61fury]

....but the odometer moves. I removed the cluster last month to clean and fix some electrical issues and check on the non-functioning speedometer. The cable was bad and then the tip broke off. I replaced the cable and reassembled. The speedometer tested good with the drill on the cable end, but after installing and taking for a drive the odometer turns but nothing at the needle. Granted, I'm on a side street so I wasn't moving more than 25 mph, but still expected something. I haven't yet removed the speedometer gear in the transmission, but confirmed the correct clamp position. Could the gear be the problem? Would it still spin the odometer but not the needle if I had the wrong amount of teeth?

You might want to have some one help you with that ,

 

[mgm1986]

If the odometer is working, it would seem to me that the gear and cable are good. I haven't had a speedometer apart in decades, so I can't be a lot of help here... Maybe the cable isn't engaged far enough into the head?? That's just a guess.

This is what happened to me when I put my dash back together. Odometer clicked but no speedo. Turned out the cable wasn't fully engaged. Hopefully a simple fix for you.

 

[Samplingman]

Thanks all. I think the cable is engaging into the speedometer at least. I spun the cable with the drill just before attaching the cable to the transmission and I got the needle to move, but I had to kick the drill up a bit in speed and it moved to about 40mph. While driving it a appears that the gear in the transmission moves the odometer but not the needle, that's why I thought maybe the wrong gear. I'll pull the gear next I guess and check that.

 

[dodtorcito]

I think your problem is excesive play in the speedo gauge input bushing, and then, when you engage the cable and tight the nut, it push to the inside and blocks the speedo magnetic pick up against the frame. The odometer works because it´s gear driven and the speedo isn´t. It´s magnetic driven.
You can test leaving the cable nut loose, only 1/2 to 1 turn threaded and see if it works randomly.
I have had this scenario in several spedometers from diferent brands.
I hope it helps.

 

[Samplingman]

I think your problem is excesive play in the speedo gauge input bushing, and then, when you engage the cable and tight the nut, it pulls to the inside and blocks the speedo magnetic pick up against the frame. The odometer works because it´s gear driven and the speedo isn´t. It´s magnetic driven.
You can test leaving the cable nut loose, only 1/2 half turn and see if it works randomly.
I have had this scenario in several spedometers from diferent brands.
I hope it helps.

Thanks, I will give that a try.

 

[dodtorcito]

I have edited some speelling in the post. I hope it will be better now.