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1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Fat Fendered and Classic Ford Trucks

odometer works but speedometer doesn't

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Old Jul 15, 2016 | 08:44 PM
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odometer works but speedometer doesn't

Just received my speedometer cable from Midfifty and put it in my 1955 F350 that has a T98 Transmission. Took the truck out on the road and the Odometer was working but the speedometer wasn't moving at all. Anybody have an idea what could be wrong?
 
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Old Jul 15, 2016 | 09:06 PM
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abe
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Hmm, the speedometer in my 55 F350 works but the odometer doesn't!

I would suggest you take the instrument panel out then take the screws out of the back and carefully remove the speedo head. Lube it up well. There is a weep hole that oil should have been dropped in occasionally.

I just got a instrument panel from eBay today so I could use the odometer. The needle was free but I couldn't turn the speedo with my fingers. I lubed it with oil and with WD-40. I could soon spin it with my fingers. Then I put a Q-tip in my drill, stuck it in the speedo hole and put it in reverse. The speedo needle moved freely up to about 50 mph. Then I could see the tenths digit moving on the odometer. So both the speedo and odo work.

If your speedo doesn't work after this then continue taking it apart to see if something is broken.
 
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Old Jul 15, 2016 | 09:39 PM
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Originally Posted by abe
Hmm, the speedometer in my 55 F350 works but the odometer doesn't!

I would suggest you take the instrument panel out then take the screws out of the back and carefully remove the speedo head. Lube it up well. There is a weep hole that oil should have been dropped in occasionally.

I just got a instrument panel from eBay today so I could use the odometer. The needle was free but I couldn't turn the speedo with my fingers. I lubed it with oil and with WD-40. I could soon spin it with my fingers. Then I put a Q-tip in my drill, stuck it in the speedo hole and put it in reverse. The speedo needle moved freely up to about 50 mph. Then I could see the tenths digit moving on the odometer. So both the speedo and odo work.

If your speedo doesn't work after this then continue taking it apart to see if something is broken.
That sounds great! I'll try it! No telling how long this speedo went without oil.
 
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