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Re: Speedo floats

To: Scott Family <rscott213@comcast.net>
Subject: Re: Speedo floats
Date: Wed, 17 Aug 2005 20:41:45 -0700
Cc: spridgets@autox.team.net
References: <000501c5a2ca$c8ec73c0$a77d1118@D1WFR121>
Hi Rob,

That can be a nasty prospect.  Man were you in the speedo when it went 
floating?  I'll bet the moon was out last night.

Seriously though I would look first look at the cable.  Drive around the block 
with the cable disconnected and have someone watch it to see if it looks like 
it is binding (speeding up and slowing down).  It will grab and then spin free 
if this is the problem.

If it looks okay then pull the gauge and and grind a piece of rod flat on four 
sides to fit into the speedometer.  Mount the rod in a drill and slowly turn it 
a constant speed.  If the needle is bouncing then disassemble the speedometer 
and clean the bearings and the mag plate.  This is small work so be gentle.  
Reassemble with 3 in 1 oil for the bearings and check again.  If this doesn't 
fix it then look for another speedometer at the next swap meet.

If the cable is binding then remove the cable and clean the movable cable with 
a rag and try again.  If it still binds remove the cable sheath and look for 
wear spots on the sheath.  If you find wear then replace it.

It it is in the tranny, then jack up the rear of the car and spin the drive 
shaft by hand with the car in neutral.  You should be able to see the square 
socket turn that the cable goes in with a mirror.  If not reach up and feel 
lightly the end moving.  It should move while you are turning the drive shaft 
and not stop when you touch it.  If it stops when you touch it it is inside the 
tranny and it engine pull time.  If you have to pull the tranny, go ahead and 
install the 5 speed kit in her.  The engine will thank you for it on the 
freeway.  You can't rebuild a tranny for the price of the 5-speed kit.  It 
isn't worth the frustration to rebuild her.  Alternate plan find a junk car 
with a tranny in it and swap or you can just drive with out.

Cheers

Wrongway Ricky
60 Frog eye "Puddles"
52 MGTD "Sparky"
When driving down the road of life, downshift and nail it on the corners.  It 
makes drive worthwhile.





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