Slow speedo when cold...
Thread Starter
|
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 6
From: SD
Slow speedo when cold...
My speedometer in my '73 is slow on cold mornings. When it's below 20 deg outside, it won't register at all until the inside of the cab warms up. Then it slowly rises until it finally reads correctly - after about 15 miles down the highway. But if it's closer to 40 deg in the morning, it acts fine and reads correctly. I'm assuming it's dirty or gummed up in the guage itself, but how can I clean/lube it? I want to maintain the correct odometer reading, so I'd rather not replace it. Anyone have any ideas?
Marty
Marty
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 8,542
Likes: 5
From: Louisiana
I had a similar problem(when I started truck, it wouldn't show the speed for about the first 2 miles, then was fine.) I looked at it, and it looked alittle dirty, so I tryed cleaning it, and it was better for about a week, now same old same old.
I would also like to know a fix for this.
I would also like to know a fix for this.
New User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 0
Likes: 24
Speedo grease 
SLIPKOTE SPEEDOMETER GREASE is a premium quality, low temperature calcium grease that provides superior flexible cable housing lubrication at temperatures as low as -65°F. It is designed to prevent pulsating in wet or dry conditions and will outperform an ordinary grease as a speedometer cable lubricant in Automotive, Truck, Farm, Marine, and Industrial applications.
SLIPKOTE SPEEDOMETER GREASE is a premium quality, low temperature calcium grease that provides superior flexible cable housing lubrication at temperatures as low as -65°F. It is designed to prevent pulsating in wet or dry conditions and will outperform an ordinary grease as a speedometer cable lubricant in Automotive, Truck, Farm, Marine, and Industrial applications.
Last edited by Mil1ion; Feb 4, 2006 at 09:28 PM.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 28,609
Likes: 18
From: Lake Tahoe, Nevada
I would guess the problem is the tiny pivot (that the speedo needle is suspended on,) has some grease or other contamination in it. I think that a few applications of contact cleaner and very light blast of compressed air (aresol can,) would probably clear it up.
Trending Topics
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,392
Likes: 1
From: Cab of a truck
Dennis, will that grease cure the wiggly needle problem common in these trucks, or is that a totally separate problem?
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 6
From: SD
I just was thinking... if it's the needle pivot causing the problem, the odometer would still turn - right? If it's the speedo cable then the odometer won't move either. I'll have to check it out before I take it apart.
I'll let you know what I find. Thanks for the help.
Marty
I'll let you know what I find. Thanks for the help.
Marty
Last edited by 73Custom; Feb 5, 2006 at 10:07 AM.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 28,609
Likes: 18
From: Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Originally Posted by 73Custom
I just was thinking... if it's the needle pivot causing the problem, the odometer would still turn - right? If it's the speedo cable then the odometer won't move either. I'll have to check it out before I take it apart.
I'll let you know what I find. Thanks for the help.
Marty
I'll let you know what I find. Thanks for the help.
Marty
Thread Starter
|
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 6
From: SD
Update: I watched the odometer the past couple cold mornings, and it moves even when the speedo doesn't. So I would assume it's in the pivot of the needle. Now I just need to tear into the dash... Thanks for the help.
Marty
Marty
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Skattracker3
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
2
Feb 28, 2014 07:55 AM
73Custom
FE & FT Big Block V8 (332, 352, 360, 390, 406, 410, 427, 428)
3
Jun 2, 2004 10:53 PM