My original Smith speedometer broke down last summer. I replaced the speedo cable, thinking it was the source of the problem, but it is not the case. Now here's my question: can those speedometers be opened and repaired, or is it wiser to say I should get a new one? Thanks.
Paul
paul snipped-for-privacy@mail.com realised it was Mon, 22 Oct 2007 13:00:12 -0700 and decided it was time to write:
They can easily be opened. Plug it out of the dash and turn the chrome ring so that the lips on the ring are opposite corresponding notches in the case. You may have some difficulty due to the crud under the chrome ring that's accumulated over the years, but that's how they open. Repairing them can be done by specialists (see adverts in classic cars mags) or even yourself, if it's something simple. In most cases a specialist repair will be cheaper than a new speedometer, if you can get one.
Yer welcome.
Paul
Triumph Spitfire speedometer.... There are so many advertised on Ebay why bother, just obtain and install another?
Tom
Thanks for the answers. I think I'll try to fix it first or have someone take a look at it, and then if it fails I'll get a new one.
Triumph speedometers are quirky things. Sometimes if you are very careful to align the cable with the mount on the back, and then put that connection under a little bit of tension, a dead unit can be persuaded to work. It doesn't always work but it's is worth a hour of fiddling with it before forking out for a repair or replacement.
Jim
One thing that does happen, oil climbs up the cable into the speedo. the oil needs to be cleaned out. This happens with old worn cables (clearance) without any felt? seals etc, The needle shaft is balanced with a clock spring this is where you have to clean to ensure it has free movement.
Inside, the needle shaft mechanism has to move freely without any oil build up. You don't have to dismantle any of the mechanism, still don't play with it either or you may alter the calibration,
Can be done, just be careful not to touch anything that shows, like the face, finger prints don't wipe off. Remove the bezel and glass, as stated elsewhere, remove the screws from the back, then the guts are loose. (To remove the face, normally, pry off the needle, remove the two screws.) [You may not have to remove the face if careful]
A couple of drops very light oil on the moving parts after the clean, sewing machine oil.
I have used Wurth brake cleaner pressure pak. Dries clean. Still don't get it on the face, may wash the numbers off.
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