Speedometer problem

[NevadaDVX]

It appears that my cable is spinning inside the back of the speedometer where it mounts inside. I assumed the cable was broke, went to Napa and got another one (about two feet longer!) and have the same results. I can disconnect the cable and spin where it mounts by hand and the needle moves, so I know the gauge itself works.

Any fix to this, or do I need another speedo? This is a white face gauge setup I bought from that guy on ebay and it has been NOTHING but a headache. So, if I change speedos, I will have to also get a set of white face stickers and pull the assembly all apart again.

[68gmsee]

Originally Posted by NevadaDVX

It appears that my cable is spinning inside the back of the speedometer where it mounts inside. I assumed the cable was broke, went to Napa and got another one (about two feet longer!) and have the same results. I can disconnect the cable and spin where it mounts by hand and the needle moves, so I know the gauge itself works....

Confused... you say you know the speedometer works and you say the cable is spinning. Please explain.

Or do you mean that the cable spins coming from the transmission side but doesn't engage the speedometer when hooked up?

You may need to reinstall and check the connections to make sure the threads are not messed up. They easily get cross-threaded and you can't screw it in all the way.

[NevadaDVX]

Originally Posted by 68gmsee

Confused... you say you know the speedometer works and you say the cable is spinning. Please explain.

Or do you mean that the cable spins coming from the transmission side but doesn't engage the speedometer when hooked up?

You may need to reinstall and check the connections to make sure the threads are not messed up. They easily get cross-threaded and you can't screw it in all the way.

Ok, since the cable is a square drive, it appears the inside of where it goes into the back of the speedometer, is rounded out. I took the truck down the street with the cable disconnected under the dash and held it with my hand and could feel the cable spinning. I think what I have is a square drive in a round hole. Basically I need to find out if there is a quick fix with a dab of JB weld or something else I could put on the inside where the cable goes in the speedometer to make it spin.

The threads are not messed up as both the new and old cables screw on securely to the trans and speedo. Like I said, with the cable disconnected at the gauge, I can spin the piece it goes into by hand the needle moves. So, the gauge does work. Hopefully that makes more sense

[dmack91]

Sounds like you need a new speedo. I have heard of people putting some JB in the speedo and then installing the drive cable, but I haven't tried it myself. I would think the worst that could happen would be the cable being stuck to the speedo. I would think you should be able to pull it through when pulling the cluster out if that happens though.

[NevadaDVX]

Originally Posted by dmack91

Sounds like you need a new speedo. I have heard of people putting some JB in the speedo and then installing the drive cable, but I haven't tried it myself. I would think the worst that could happen would be the cable being stuck to the speedo. I would think you should be able to pull it through when pulling the cluster out if that happens though.

Yea, that's what I'm afraid of. I think I will try some silicone on the cable end, and if it doesn't hold up, I will pull it apart and put the original speedo back in and get another set of white face overlays.

[lil hoodlum]

Originally Posted by NevadaDVX

Ok, since the cable is a square drive, it appears the inside of where it goes into the back of the speedometer, is rounded out. I took the truck down the street with the cable disconnected under the dash and held it with my hand and could feel the cable spinning. I think what I have is a square drive in a round hole. Basically I need to find out if there is a quick fix with a dab of JB weld or something else I could put on the inside where the cable goes in the speedometer to make it spin.

The threads are not messed up as both the new and old cables screw on securely to the trans and speedo. Like I said, with the cable disconnected at the gauge, I can spin the piece it goes into by hand the needle moves. So, the gauge does work. Hopefully that makes more sense

I am having the same exact issue as you are except my speedo is 40+ years old. I replaced my speedometer cable as well, thinking it was broken, and my speedo doesn't work properly. Yet when I have the cable disconnected and while driving, the inner cable spins. I can spin the back of the speedometer as well and the needle moves. I bought a used speedometer and am going to be replacing tomorrow. I can post pictures of my old speedometer (the back part).

Good luck,

Keith

[68gmsee]

Originally Posted by NevadaDVX

........ Hopefully that makes more sense

That's what I though but wasn't sure. And yes, it does sound like the speedo gear is gone. I don't think JB Weld or any type of epoxy will hold. Primarily because of the vibration from the cable. It may work for a while but eventually it will give.

I would take the speedo out and with the other cable see if there's something you can insert in there for a tight fit. It really doesn't require much to influence the needle as you found out.

[lil hoodlum]

I would try the silicone first to see if that "fixes" your problem.

I'm thinking mine is rounded out as well. I don't understand how it could be rounded out, my speedometer is only showing 42,000 miles on it!! I kid, I think the poor thing is just worn out. I wish I knew how many miles are really on the old truck.

Keith