speedometer issue

[randy993]

Sorting through the old truck and trying to figure out what's wrong with my speedo. The cable turns while I'm driving, can hold it and it still spins.
I had considered just replacing it with a restored one, but my dash is in very good condition and they are also very pricey.

[Terry,OH]

What is the speedometer doing?? making noise not reading??

[51 MERC-CT]

Originally Posted by randy993

Sorting through the old truck and trying to figure out what's wrong with my speedo. The cable turns while I'm driving, can hold it and it still spins.
I had considered just replacing it with a restored one, but my dash is in very good condition and they are also very pricey.

The inner cable (speedo drive cable) is supposed to turn.
If the outer cable sheath (cover) is turning it is most likely that the inner cable is broken or rusted and frozen to the outer cable causing it to have disengaged from the crimped ends allowing it to turn.
It's time to remove, inspect and repair or replace as necessary.

[randy993]

I guess I should have explained a little more. The speedo is not doing anything. No sound. No movement. I disconnected the cable from the back of the speedo and drove it. The cable turns and when you grab it, it continues to turn. A friend of mine that has a '41 said that if the turtle was bad at the transmission the cable would stop turning when you grabbed it.

[51 MERC-CT]

Originally Posted by randy993

I guess I should have explained a little more. The speedo is not doing anything. No sound. No movement. I disconnected the cable from the back of the speedo and drove it. The cable turns and when you grab it, it continues to turn. A friend of mine that has a '41 said that if the turtle was bad at the transmission the cable would stop turning when you grabbed it.

Then it should be obvious that if the cable is turning. the turtle gears are OK and the problem is most likely a defective speedometer or connection to it.

[TJ]

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Is the square part on the cable end worn? Or maybe broken off?

[Terry,OH]

It appears the speedometer pointer is stuck to the zero MPH mark. There are a couple of ways to free it, both require the speedo to be removed. Then turn it up-side-down and rap it to see if you can get the pointer to move, if so your good to reassemble. Sometimes you can't get it to jar free and move if so it's best to disassemble and clean and reassemble. The pointer moves inside a rotating magnetic cup, so there is not a lot of force causing it to move, dirt and gummy surfaces can cause the pointer to stick.

[51woodie]

Bob’s Speedometer in Michigan is the place I sent mine to and they did an excellent job on my 46 speedo and clock

[papanick]

If it is in the speedometer it should be serviced, Or rebuild. You will need to get all that junk that has build up in is the mag.

[randy993]

thanks. I'll pull the cluster out and see if it's something I can do. Thanks again,

[papanick]

Hay how did you make out with your speedometer. Hope all is working fine now. papanick