Date: Mon, 29 Nov 1999 14:48:55 EST
Reply-To: Oxroad@AOL.COM
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Jeffrey R <Oxroad@AOL.COM>
Subject: Re: Speedometer question (long now)
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
In a message dated 99-11-29 14:44:12 EST, you write:
a message dated 99-11-26 23:25:01 EST, you write:
> Stella's is loose,
> meaning that it turns with the wheel. Any info or insight would be
> wonderful..
Kate--
I'm a little confused by exactly what you mean in this post. So if this
info
is redundant or it's info you know blame it on my confusion.
To say the circlip turns with the wheel, in my mind means it's working
correctly.
The circlip holds the speedo cable after the cable's squared off end pokes
through the axel nut cap on the end of the hub. (this is the cap that covers
the axel nut on the front wheels) The speedo cable's squared-off end goes
through a square hole in the axel cap. The circlip holds the squared off end
snuggly in the cap. But it's only snug in a circular kind of way, meaning
the
square end of the speedo cable is forced to turn along with the axel cap and
therefore forced to turn with the wheel. (there is a tiny bit of end play in
the cable with the circlip meaning it can move in and out a tiny bit without
effecting it's performance) Having said the word "forced" I should mention
it'
s not a great deal of pressure "forcing" the cable. the cable merely goes
along with the turning wheel. The circlip also should go along with the
wheel
spinning at the same rate at the wheel spins. This spinning of the square
end
of the cable and the circlip turns the whole speedo cable within the speedo
cable housing which is again squarred off a the speedo end of the cable at
the dashboard. The square end at top goes into the back of the speedo and
turns the gears in the speedo to give you a speed reading on the guage.
So, in short, the circlip and cable DO turn with the wheel.
If the circlip and cable don't turn with the wheel it is a sign that the
square hole int he axel cap has rounded and will not turn the cable.
Therefore the axel cap should be replaced.
Possible problems:
On an old Karmann Ghia I had the Speedo stopped working-and then worked
intermittantly, but never correctly--it would kind of surge. I checked the
cable by taking it off the back of the speedo and it seemed to turn fine
when the vehicle was moving. BUT it did turn out to be broken in the middle.
With no pressure of the speedo hooked up it seemed the cable was fine
because
it "caught" itself at the break and turned both halves. But with the added
pressure of the speedo hooked up it would not turn after the break--or at
best turn intermittantly.
I mean I didn't figure this out right away.
You can check the speedo by disconnecting the cable from the back of the
speedo and eyeballing the end of the cable that goes into the speedo. Find a
tool or shaft or something of equal size and GENTLY put it in the back of
your speedo where the cable goes. Then gently roll the tool or shaft in your
fingers as the cable would turn. if the speedo needle jumps to a few miles
an hour or so it's an indication it works for the most part.
now DON'T shove or force anything into the back of the speedo. Be GENTLE
with it. and turn the tool by rollinging it between you thumb and fore
finger.
That is more than enough speed to register on the speedo. You can try this
rolling motion both clock wise and counter clockwise without damage to the
speedo. But only one way will register speed as the speedo is not designed
to
register speed in reverse. And again don't force anything in if it won't fit
and don't break off anything in the speedo where it recieves the cable. If
this test doesn't make sense to you don't attempt it unless you have your
neighborhood car guru with you.
Also you can check the cable once it is off the back of the speedo. If you
can turn the cable by hand endlessly while the bus is parked then it's a
sign
the cable is severed somewhere in the middle of the housing and needs to be
replaced.
Still reading?
I see from a later post you were on the NJ Turnpike. If you're in NJ and
need a replacement speedo unit there were as of a few months ago 2 passenger
Vanagons in junk yard in Whippany, NJ or Parsippany. The name of the yard
is
Cobra and it's on Parsippany Road (northern NJ). There was a later model
Vanagon like maybe 86or 87 and there is an 83. Both had speedos when I was
there. But I think neither bus had a windshield so they have been exposed to
the elements. (whether you would feel comfortable using such a speedo is
your
call) I don't know if the speedos worked and normal disclaimers apply. I have
no affiliation with Cobra Auto Wreckers.
Having said that if you need a speedo I'm sure some listees have them. It
shouldn't be hard to find a used one.
If this doesn't make sense feel free to ask...I'll try to clear it up.
Jeff
83.5 Westy
NYC