Speedometer problem

[SteveInOakland]

Is there something I'm overlooking?

I did a bunch of work on the differential mount and moustache bar, usual amount of manhandling. Also along the way fixed the backup lights switch in the tranny.

Next thing I know, the speedometer stopped working.:stupid:

The cable seems to be stuck in the tranny just fine. I took it out and reinserted it twice. You can't even thread it on unless the cable is fitted properly into the female...

I did also replace some bulbs at the speedometer itself, but I think this problem happened before that. Also it seems unlikely you could dislodge the speedo cable from the speedo that easily. It sure seems to be attached.

Any suggestions on what I should do next?

(PS - Why is the speedometer pinion sleeve set up the way it is, i.e. a little external plate with one bolt mashes against the sleeve and that's what holds it in place?)

Thanks a lot,

Steve.

1973 240Z

4-speed, stock differential

[beandip]

well disconnect the cable at the speedo and tape the end of the cable with some masking tape . Roll the car and see if it turns . If it does then the speedo is shot . replace it. If it dosent turn , then check the cable to see if it is broken . If ok check the gear by removing the fitting on the trans .

[SteveInOakland]

Thanks, Gary, that all sounds right.

Appreciate the help.

Steve.

[EScanlon]

I'm betting that the cable wasn't fully inserted into the speedo. This can happen very easily.

E

[SteveInOakland]

The cable turned out to be busted. Local dealer says $148. MSA says $98. I'm off to the junkyard.

Steve.

[BuDavid]

put the car on jack, go under the car and release the cable, turn it by hand and let someone sit on the drivers seat and watch the speedometer, if the speedo meter jumps to about 10mph then that means that your cable and speedomoeter is ok!

if not, check the cable, u can reach it from the bottom of the dash board, open it same way as u open it from the tranny, and do the same, u can see it by eyes if it is rotating!

a nother thing that your cable gear might be damaged (same as in my case)

my speedo dont work, the cable and meter are ok, and i found out that the cable driving gear was missing.

[LanceM]

Go to NAPA and get a universal repair cable and cut it to lenght, all you need is the inner cable, cost around $10.

[SteveInOakland]

Go to NAPA and get a universal repair cable and cut it to lenght, all you need is the inner cable, cost around $10.

Those things are gettin' hard to find. Nobody local -- Napa, CarQuest, PepBoys -- had one. It may be that the "application specific" part they can order for the Z is more of a universal, dunno. Some online places have them, but I just picked up a Datsun one on eBay -- it'll make a nice companion for my new 3-inches-too-long cable for a five-speed, fresh from the yard.

Steve.