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-   -   Need help with speedometer/odometer (https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=297875)

freak 04-27-2021 05:24 PM

Need help with speedometer/odometer
 

1 Attachment(s)
My speedometer works fine. My odometer stopped working at 19999.9. I took it out today and the back was popped out. See photo. The back plug was held in with what looks to be silver colored silicone. I have no problem disassembling it but has anyone ever seen this happen before? Anyone have a tip on what might have happened?

freak 04-27-2021 06:14 PM

Re: Need help with speedometer/odometer
 

I took it apart. I can rotate the numbers very easily backwards. Nothing is stiff. Once it reaches 19999.9 it's a hard stop. So I assume the worm gear, when faced with the immovable pinion gear, pushed the cover plug off the back. Like it's jammed. Ideas?

freak 04-27-2021 06:48 PM

Re: Need help with speedometer/odometer
 

1 Attachment(s)
The problem is definitely in the odometer number stack. They'll move but they are stiff. Staring in the 10's place. Didn't go beyond that. Anyone know how to get the stack apart?


Update: Pulls right apart. Seems like the problem is the brass tube in the stack is sticky. Like the lube dried out.

Conaway2 04-27-2021 07:28 PM

Re: Need help with speedometer/odometer
 

This just happened to me - I managed to get the number stack apart - actually it was quite easy. My speedometer is a Waltham if that makes a difference.

Once I had the number wheels off, I used light (clock) oil on the internal gears and reassembled every thing, testing the stack as I added wheel to the stack.

I used silicone caulk to pop the odometer worm gear cover back on.

Check this link out for helpful info.

That was 150 miles ago and it’s still working OK.

Good luck !
Jim

FordTudor1931 04-27-2021 07:59 PM

Re: Need help with speedometer/odometer
 

It takes a lot to move all six wheels at the same time, especially if the grease is a touch old and stiff. Since the rotation of the speedometer cable doesn't stop, something has to give. It could either strip the cogs or move it back out of gear. The back popped out and the gear released. I don't know this for a fact, but it could have been designed this way to avoid breaking the drive and allow for a fairly simple repair.

freak 04-27-2021 08:40 PM

Re: Need help with speedometer/odometer
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by FordTudor1931 (Post 2011499)
It takes a lot to move all six wheels at the same time, especially if the grease is a touch old and stiff. Since the rotation of the speedometer cable doesn't stop, something has to give. It could either strip the cogs or move it back out of gear. The back popped out and the gear released. I don't know this for a fact, but it could have been designed this way to avoid breaking the drive and allow for a fairly simple repair.


I think that is right. Can you imagine the car makers designing something like that today?!?!?!?

freak 04-27-2021 08:41 PM

Re: Need help with speedometer/odometer
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Conaway2 (Post 2011493)
This just happened to me - I managed to get the number stack apart - actually it was quite easy. My speedometer is a Waltham if that makes a difference.

Once I had the number wheels off, I used light (clock) oil on the internal gears and reassembled every thing, testing the stack as I added wheel to the stack.

I used silicone caulk to pop the odometer worm gear cover back on.

Check this link out for helpful info.

That was 150 miles ago and it’s still working OK.

Good luck !
Jim


Got it figured out. Need to clean it real good, lube it and reassemble. I'm glad I took it apart!

GRutter 04-27-2021 09:10 PM

Re: Need help with speedometer/odometer
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by freak (Post 2011510)
Got it figured out. Need to clean it real good, lube it and reassemble. I'm glad I took it apart!

Glad to hear. Also nice to see that you attempted to repair or restore rather than replace

Ray in La Mesa 04-28-2021 09:16 AM

Re: Need help with speedometer/odometer
 

Go to Bob's Cabriolet Main Page, in his technical list is a number of speedometer repair articles. Tells you how to repair the speedo.

Conaway2 04-28-2021 03:58 PM

Re: Need help with speedometer/odometer
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by freak (Post 2011510)
Got it figured out. Need to clean it real good, lube it and reassemble. I'm glad I took it apart!

Glad you got it figured out ! Sorry I forgot to post the link to Bob’s page with speedo information.

Jim

Conaway2 04-28-2021 08:33 PM

Re: Need help with speedometer/odometer
 

Here is the link I said I posted but forgot to....
http://www.cabriolet.modelahouse.com...ter/index.html

Jim


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