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Speedometer cable question.

64SF

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I've installed an aftermarket mechanical speedometer in my 65 Satellite. It's a 4 speed Transmission with the flanged output shaft. The speedometer cable is part of the speedometer gear (I hope I'm describing that correctly) it is not like the 66 and later transmissions where the cable attaches externally. Here's the problem...the new speedometer will not register above 20 miles per hour. I'm wondering if cable inside the jacket may have failed or may not be going into the speedometer all the way. If the cable has failed is it possible just to replace the internal cable (inside the jacket) or must I buy a whole new one which over $120.00. Any thoughts or comments appreciated. Thanks
 
Howdy from South Ocala!
If the cable failed it would read zero. It could be that the speedometer gear is not engaged all the way and maybe skipping teeth at a higher speeds or the speedometer is malfunctioning.
 
Did the speedo you replaced work before the change? Does the new speedo also have an odometer? If so, does the odometer work? I'm thinking the new speedo is faulty.
 
I'm not sure, but I thought I read somewhere that they went to cable/gear type somewhere in the late 70's to early 80"s to prevent people disconnecting the speedometer at the trans and keep mileage from accruing. If you did that with that all in one type, trans fluid would leak all over. One other thought, (if I have any left) LOL; is I think I remember that depending on the gear tooth count, it gets inserted in different positions in the trans. and if you put it in the wrong position you get results like you are describing.
 
Did the speedo you replaced work before the change? Does the new speedo also have an odometer? If so, does the odometer work? I'm thinking the new speedo is faulty.
Unfortunately I don't know if the old (stock) speedometer worked or not. Car was not running when I bought it. I installed a new mechanical speedometer that I bought from Speedway Motors in a gauge package...not sure of the quality. The odometer does work.
 
I'm not sure, but I thought I read somewhere that they went to cable/gear type somewhere in the late 70's to early 80"s to prevent people disconnecting the speedometer at the trans and keep mileage from accruing. If you did that with that all in one type, trans fluid would leak all over. One other thought, (if I have any left) LOL; is I think I remember that depending on the gear tooth count, it gets inserted in different positions in the trans. and if you put it in the wrong position you get results like you are describing.
I also recall now that you mention it that it does have to be inserted in a certain position in order to work properly...I'll double check that as well.
 
Howdy from South Ocala!
If the cable failed it would read zero. It could be that the speedometer gear is not engaged all the way and maybe skipping teeth at a higher speeds or the speedometer is malfunctioning.
I'll double check the gear to see if it's fully engaged. Thanks
 
the '65 and earlier speedo pinions don't index like the '66 and up. it's just a straight push in.
 
Here's the gauge package that I bought from Speedway....beginning to think although the price was ok (just over $200.00) the quality reflects the lower cost. Also the tac is a bit bouncy and accuracy is questionable. Oh well..
the '65 and earlier speedo pinions don't index like the '66 and up. it's just a straight push in.

Just checked and it only goes in one way.
 
The odometer does work.

Then the cable isn't the problem. Sounds like you got a bad unit right out of the box.
You can grind the end of a steel rod .100" square and put it in a reversible cordless drill to test the unit. 1000 rpm equals 60 mph.
 
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