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speedometer/odometer problem

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Old Nov 22, 2009 | 09:55 AM
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Default speedometer/odometer problem

Hey Guys & Gals, need some advice please.
I recently had my 63 ( L-75) fitted with a 700R-4 Trans.
Took off on a 1,600 mile trip to FL. 5 miles out side of town the speedometer quit working, went down to zero and the odometer went to : 10000.Now, I know they did some changing with the plastic gear in the tranny. Where would you start looking or has anyone had this problem. Kinda squirley driving by the Tach.
Thanks
Jeff
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Old Nov 24, 2009 | 05:51 PM
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Default anyone!

Ttt
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Old Nov 24, 2009 | 06:23 PM
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Start checking the easiest stuff first. Pull the speedo cable off at the tranny and see if it broke. If not, try spinning it by hand and see if it turns the speedo head. If so, the problem is likely in your tranny output (plastic) gear. If not, (I have saved the worst for last) the problem is in the speedo head (the gears commonly wear) and the instrument cluster will have to come out to repair it. Good luck!
Pilot Dan
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Old Nov 25, 2009 | 09:35 AM
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Thanks Pilot Dan,
I will check it out on my friends lift.
Hoping it is not the instrument itself because when I got it ( 2 years ago) there was a sticker on the unserdash cover of the speedometer with the name and adderess of a guage rebulider in FL.
Thanks agan
Jeff
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Old Nov 25, 2009 | 09:44 AM
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Originally Posted by aerosworp
the speedometer quit working, went down to zero and the odometer went to : 10000.
The odometer jumping to some new reading would not happen with a bad cable or transmission gear. Might be the gauge.
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Old Nov 25, 2009 | 03:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Mike Ward
The odometer jumping to some new reading would not happen with a bad cable or transmission gear. Might be the gauge.
Jeff, just to clarify, were you referring to the cars mileage odometer in the speedo head or the trip odometer below it?? I have seen the trip odometer cable setup get stuck and go to all 000's, make sure it's free.
Depending on what type of gears were previously used to rebuild your speedo, you could have plastic instead of metal ones in there which don't wear very well. Let us know what you find. Pilot Dan
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Old Nov 25, 2009 | 07:56 PM
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Guys,
I am referring to the speedometer odometer and not the trip meter.
Hope I don't have to pull the cluster. Have heard it is a real PITA
Thanks
Jeff
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Old Nov 26, 2009 | 01:28 AM
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Sounds like bad speedo gears the cluster will have to come out and the speedo head serviced. I would suggest you start by removing the drivers seat (only 2 bolts) which will give you a lot more room to work. Next, remove the steering column to gain access. Carefully tag or take pictures of all the wires as well. Check the archives for all the details. Don't be in a rush and take your time and it will work out fine. Pilot Dan
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Old Nov 26, 2009 | 01:34 AM
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Not that big a deal. Seriously. Worse case scenario is that you have to pull the cluster and send the speedo/odometer out to be rebuilt.

Certainly not the end of the world. Been there...done that. Couple of hours then it's off to FED EX.

You get it back, slap it in... and you're good to go. Relax.
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Old Nov 26, 2009 | 11:00 AM
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OK guys,
I might be calling yall for help. In the dictonary under mechanically challenged is my pic.
Thanks for all the help
Jeff
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Old Nov 26, 2009 | 10:20 PM
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If you have to pull the cluster, I recommend and have used John Hinckley's 2 Cluster Articles. It's not a cake walk but can be done. Check the Sticky Section under Gauge Cluster for link.

Suggest you get a bunch of labels, and a "miner's light" before you start.

Good luck
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Old Nov 26, 2009 | 10:31 PM
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Originally Posted by aerosworp
OK guys,
I might be calling yall for help. In the dictonary under mechanically challenged is my pic.
Thanks for all the help
Jeff
use a couple of phone books under a thick blanket on the driver side floor after you remove the drivers seat...very comfortable...good luck
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