What Lube do you put in your Columbia S/W Speedo Changer?
 

Here's my problem: I've got a few of these Stewart Warner speedometer changers - rectifiers as I like to call them, because it seems that's what they do - and I can't figure out what type of grease should really be used in them. They chatter at high speeds, almost exclusively in OD, and do it more when cold. I'm assuming the multipurpose grease I'm using is too viscous, but it works better than some of the thinner things I've tried.

So, what do you use in your speedometer changer that keeps it quiet and healthy?

Mike

Re: What Lube do you put in your Columbia S/W Speedo Changer?
 

I packed mine with white lithium grease 15 years ago, and it seems to have survived OK. You might also check with John Connelly at Columbia Two Speed Parts (http://www.columbiatwospeedparts.com...peed-parts.cfm).


Are you sure the chatter isn't from the speedometer?

Re: What Lube do you put in your Columbia S/W Speedo Changer?
 

I use JD cornhead grease.

Re: What Lube do you put in your Columbia S/W Speedo Changer?
 

And you don't notice any noise coming from it? I had tried white lithium grease initially, though I didn't pack it, and the chatter was terrible. Went to a multi-purpose, more viscous grease and it seems to chatter less, unless it's cold - warmer days don't have as much of an issue.

I'm sure it's coming from the changer, as it almost exclusively does it when in OD. For example, I can run up to 60 mph out of OD, hit the clutch, flip the switch, and once the speedometer changes, it will immediately start chattering. If I maintain speed, switch back out of OD, chatter goes away. Visually there isn't enough wear on the gear and shaft components to account for the chattering, so I'm assuming (we all know what that does) it's improper lubrication on my part.

Re: What Lube do you put in your Columbia S/W Speedo Changer?
 

Interesting... I just looked at JD's description, and they call it an "extra soft" grade lube. I imagine that would very much line up with the requirements of this application. I'm going to have to get some and try it out.

Re: What Lube do you put in your Columbia S/W Speedo Changer?
 

Lubriplate was what was called for the Columbia speedo parts. G.M.

Did a google search and found Lubriplate is still available
in the same silver and black 14 oz can for $11.00

Re: What Lube do you put in your Columbia S/W Speedo Changer?
 

Make sure the speedometer cables going in and out of the Changer isn’t dry also .

Re: What Lube do you put in your Columbia S/W Speedo Changer?
 

I use Sil-Glyde a silicone lube from NAPA. It was first recommended to me years ago for the speedometer cable and gear changer speed adapter little gears. It ain't cheap for a tube but I won't be without it now.

Re: What Lube do you put in your Columbia S/W Speedo Changer?
 

Mine's never chattered.

Re: What Lube do you put in your Columbia S/W Speedo Changer?
 

Are you guys splitting the speedo case to add this grease?


Thanks

Re: What Lube do you put in your Columbia S/W Speedo Changer?
 

Yes

Re: What Lube do you put in your Columbia S/W Speedo Changer?
 

Thanks