I was reseting my trip odometer a few days ago to check some mileage. I havent used it in awhile and it was hard to pull and reset. After I did that my speedometer needle started to jump around and made a clicking sound. Now my odometer doesnt work at all but the speed indicator does though it still has a faint clicking sound. Has anyone had this problem before and if so how do you resolve it? :confused:

 

:nonod: ....my trip odometer reset **** is still "stuck". :cuss

 

The reset cable typically takes a hard 90 degree bend coming out of the back of the speedo and down to the reset **** below the dash. The cables typically will rust and sieze/bind up at that bend. Especially if they haven't been properly routed during past dash installations.

Only real solution is to replace. Servicable used ones are available on eBay for about $20 ... right now. New repro's are available at the catalog houses for about $80.

If you get a used one, I would recommend breaking it down and lubing the cable inside the sleeve before reinstalling it to prevent the binding. It is a crimp connection ... but it can be done (I did)

Also, if you buy used, make sure you get the lower flange nut along with it... or keep your old one if you have it. They aren't a standard HW item and I don't think they are available repro. The rubber **** is however. About $2 at any of the catalog houses.

:seeya

 

Would the binding cable stop the main odometer from working? Mine is really bound up I could barely get it to turn. Neither of mine are working the main odometer or the trip odometer. :confused:

 

Yes. Depending on what was where when it bound, you can have issues with the gears coming off the speedo head into the main odometer or with the gears between the odometer and the trip odometer. I've had a few of these apart and it isn't terribly uncommon.

It's not the end of the world. I had the odometer and trip odometer rebuilt recently at a speedo shop that specializes in classics for about $125. That included the odo work as well as cleaning, lubing and calibrating the speedo. He had a lot of old stock on speedo frames, gears, etc. So the rebuild wasn't a problem.

Incidently, that unit had a "frozen" reset cable also.

Just make sure you work with a company that understands classics. They'll know not to touch the faces, take care with the needles, etc.

Some on the forum have ventured into rebuilding DIY. Some of the gears, etc ARE available at the catalog houses. But I only wanted to pull it once. So I went for the full rebuild.

Paying the rebuild fee is easy compared to the thrill that lies ahead in pulling the dash pad! But there is plenty of posts out there on that subject.

:seeya

 

http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/odometer.doc

Try reading the above article on how to replace the odometer gearing. It make help you understand how the odometers work.
I believe the two odometers have different drive gears based on how I read the article.
Roger

 

Correct. The main gear off the speedo head drives the primary and a second gear drives the trip. If the primary is stripped, then niether will work.

- Skipple