Speedometer works but odometer does not!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 517
Likes: 2
From: Orlando FL
Speedometer works but odometer does not!
Speedometer works but odometer does not, 1969 BB 4 speed. Do I need to send out and get fixed or is it a simple fix. Speedometer operates smoothly. Thanks in advance fro helping.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 435
Likes: 7
From: Wake Forest NC
Mine was the same way--the odometer was jammed (100K+ miles). After ordering two new AC/Delco replacements that jammed worse than the original, I rebuilt the original and made sure everything moved freely. For insurance, the worm drive gear was replaced (from Willcox).
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 11,183
Likes: 3,336
From: North of Toronto - Ontario
ohhh c)(#*$!!! , I was thinking the trip odometer not the actual mileage odometer
I hesitate to suggest to spray a little wd40 into the hole where the cable goes into the speedo because I'm not sure if it might shoot through and end up
on the face/glass and make a mess
Wilcox, Nice breakdown, that will come in handy later.
Mooser
I hesitate to suggest to spray a little wd40 into the hole where the cable goes into the speedo because I'm not sure if it might shoot through and end up
on the face/glass and make a mess
Wilcox, Nice breakdown, that will come in handy later.
Mooser
Last edited by Mooser; Jun 8, 2013 at 10:15 PM. Reason: Jumped off the cliff too soon
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,853
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
To explain..
The first worm busing wears out.. when it does the first worm and magnet **** sideways. Gear A on the first worm and magnet eats up gear B in the picture below. If your lucky and have a plastic gear it minimizes damage but unfortunately our cars didn't come with plastic gears and what you end up with is worn out second worm.
The first, second and third worm gears are what drive the odometer.
Replacing only the second gear is not the answer either. The head must come out and be serviced.
If the reset **** is stuck in the upward position, you still eat up gears... usually by that time it's too late.
And head Mooser's warning.. never spray wd-40 or grease the cable. Use speedo cable lube only and you apply it to the cable by placing a small amount in a rag and pull the cable through it.
If you oil or grease the cable it is reverse wound and will pull all of this into the head. The grease will collect dirt from the magnetic field and the oylite bushing in the head will fail at an even faster rater.
IMHO,
Willcox
Last edited by Willcox Corvette; Jun 8, 2013 at 10:01 PM.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Check the position of the reset cable. They get sticky and don't return to full engagement. If that's NOT the problem, ignore it....or spend good $$$ and trouble to get it repaired. BTW, what's the "downside" of an odometer that doesn't roll UP the miles? 
