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how about a bad odometer question

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Old Apr 1, 2009 | 09:48 AM
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From: Brookfield CT NCM#522998
Default how about a bad odometer question

First off, thanks to all of you awesome 'vette guys and gals who are helping me diagnose issues for my new '86 coupe resto project. This is my first 'vette, and I have been in love with them since sitting in my uncle's 1970 Stingray (metal flake blue!) when I was a kid.

My next dilema is that the odometer doesn't turn. I believe, but am not sure, that the odometer is run electrically even though it is a 'standard' mechanical odometer. Anyone know if it is cable driven, or do I just have to pull the dash and look for a bad relay/switch/wire? Thanks in advance, you guys are the best!!
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Old Apr 1, 2009 | 11:59 PM
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Default odo.

Originally Posted by flynn508
First off, thanks to all of you awesome 'vette guys and gals who are helping me diagnose issues for my new '86 coupe resto project. This is my first 'vette, and I have been in love with them since sitting in my uncle's 1970 Stingray (metal flake blue!) when I was a kid.

My next dilema is that the odometer doesn't turn. I believe, but am not sure, that the odometer is run electrically even though it is a 'standard' mechanical odometer. Anyone know if it is cable driven, or do I just have to pull the dash and look for a bad relay/switch/wire? Thanks in advance, you guys are the best!!
Its part of the dash wiring. Electronic. I have a working 89 odo if you end up looking for one.

Corvette Mike.
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Old Apr 2, 2009 | 08:36 AM
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Thanks CorvetteMike, I'll let you know~can I set it to zero!
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Old Apr 2, 2009 | 09:03 AM
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Does the speedo work?
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Old Apr 2, 2009 | 09:28 AM
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Originally Posted by TA
Does the speedo work?
yes, speedo and entire dash works fine; don't even have any LED"S out!! Just the odometer wont turn.
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Old Apr 2, 2009 | 11:52 AM
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I can help, I should resemble how a 1990 firebirds odometer works. basically an electric motor is what drives the odometer and what happens over time is the gear this electric motor drives to turn the odometer locks up. when this gear locks up, then it messes the electric motors gear up to, so if this is whats wrong easier to replace the whole odometer as a unit.
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Old Apr 2, 2009 | 02:27 PM
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From: Brookfield CT NCM#522998
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Originally Posted by jeffp1167
I can help, I should resemble how a 1990 firebirds odometer works. basically an electric motor is what drives the odometer and what happens over time is the gear this electric motor drives to turn the odometer locks up. when this gear locks up, then it messes the electric motors gear up to, so if this is whats wrong easier to replace the whole odometer as a unit.

I have been searching the parts suppliers and haven't had much luck locating an odometer. I am pulling out the whole interior anyway; when I have it apart I guess I will expect to see a wire running to the odo. rather than a turning cable? It should be easy to test the circuit for voltage with the key on shouldn't it?
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Old Apr 2, 2009 | 02:30 PM
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just spin this electric motor by hand and see if it spins the odometer. if it works then it's a electrical problem, but I say tthose gears jammed and thats why it stopped working.
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Old Apr 2, 2009 | 02:35 PM
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From: Brookfield CT NCM#522998
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Originally Posted by jeffp1167
just spin this electric motor by hand and see if it spins the odometer. if it works then it's a electrical problem, but I say tthose gears jammed and thats why it stopped working.

great, thanks for the ideas; this weekend I should be able to get down and dirty.
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Old Apr 2, 2009 | 03:20 PM
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Originally Posted by CorvetteMike2004
Its part of the dash wiring. Electronic. I have a working 89 odo if you end up looking for one.

Corvette Mike.

'89 ODO (4 wire pin/socket) will not work in place of an 86 ODO (2 wire pin /socket setup)

Use one from a 84-88


Last edited by engle1147; Nov 28, 2009 at 04:14 PM. Reason: 4 conductors not three
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Old Apr 2, 2009 | 11:26 PM
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Odometer motors are available on ebay for $40. OEM
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Old Apr 3, 2009 | 08:45 AM
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From: Brookfield CT NCM#522998
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Originally Posted by Tom 35th anniversary
Odometer motors are available on ebay for $40. OEM
Thanks Tom, I did see that; but I am not sure yet if I need the motor. I am hoping there is just a loose wire back there.
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Old Nov 28, 2009 | 03:13 PM
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I'm curious to know how this odometer thing turned out. I just got mine a couple of days ago and the odometer isnt working.
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Old Nov 29, 2009 | 06:25 PM
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See link

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...SS%3AUS%3A1123
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Old Nov 29, 2009 | 06:57 PM
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Is it an easy fix to swap it out?
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Old Nov 29, 2009 | 07:26 PM
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Heck, mine stopped at 17,699.......low origional miles i think
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Old Nov 29, 2009 | 08:54 PM
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Default L-98 Valve Covers

I want to change out the stock valve covers on my 87 vert with a set of after market chrome valve covers. I have a set my son had on his 89 IROC Camaro and thought I would use these. Checking on E-Bay, they showed center bolt valve covers for 88-92 but not for an 87. Does anyone know the difference or will I have to find a set for only the 87? Also, will it require different valve cover gaskets or can I use the new rubber ones I have for the 89 valve covers? I also plan on replacing the existing Torx bolts with new 1/4-20 stainless hex head.
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Old Nov 29, 2009 | 10:31 PM
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Originally Posted by RED BARON
I want to change out the stock valve covers on my 87 vert with a set of after market chrome valve covers. I have a set my son had on his 89 IROC Camaro and thought I would use these. Checking on E-Bay, they showed center bolt valve covers for 88-92 but not for an 87. Does anyone know the difference or will I have to find a set for only the 87? Also, will it require different valve cover gaskets or can I use the new rubber ones I have for the 89 valve covers? I also plan on replacing the existing Torx bolts with new 1/4-20 stainless hex head.
You should really make your own thread for this question instead of hijacking this one To answer your question the valve covers from late 1986-91 should be center bolted.
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Old Nov 30, 2009 | 09:24 AM
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From: Brookfield CT NCM#522998
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Originally Posted by dhawthorne15
Is it an easy fix to swap it out?
unfortunately, I'm still not sure....my project ground to a halt with busy work this summer, I am hoping to get in the car over the winter.
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