Section : Gearbox

Clutch, gearbox, overdrive, propeller shaft.

Speedometer cables - help!

Posted By : Michael Davis, 29-Mar-2004, 11:03am

I finally got the engine and gearbox back in my car on Saturday. Slight problem in that the speedometer cable I have from a 1500 single rail box, doesn't fit my 3 rail one.

I've ordered up a correct cable for this box but can someone confirm that a new speedo cable will have the correct fittings to screw onto the side of my box or whether I need to order any other bits as well?

The gearbox just has a threaded part sticking out the side with the square cable drive in the centre. I know the single rail box didn't have a threaded part, just having a flat disc and a clamp instead but I've never studied this connection on a 3-rail unit before.

I'm still hoping to get an MOT later this week...

Followups :

Speedometer cables - help!

Posted By : Andrew Leahy, 29-Mar-2004, 11:18am

Ideally you need a right angle speedo drive which brings the speedo union out at 90 degrees and pointing to the bellhousing, then use a 1300 speedo cable. If you're lucky you might be able to make a cable fit without the troublesome right angle drive - try a Vitesee cable o/d which will be slightly longer.
- Speedometer cables - help!
  
  Posted By : Michael Davis, 29-Mar-2004, 03:04pm
  
  Oops, that complicates matters a little...
  
  Can you pass an MOT test with a non-working speedo?
  - Speedometer cables - help!
    
    Posted By : Andrew Leahy, 29-Mar-2004, 03:24pm
    
    Well supposedly not, but I've never known a tester to check the speedo is working
    - Speedometer cables - help!
      
      Posted By : Philip Rosenberg, 29-Mar-2004, 09:16pm
      
      I did ask a tester that once. My first MOT, I knew the car had larger wheels on from a previous owner so the speedo wasn't callibrated. He said they read the milage and then ignored the dials and it wouldn't be a problem.
      
      The exception or the rule? I don't know but I haven't failed on a miscalibrated speedo in three tries.
      - Speedometer cables - help!
        
        Posted By : Michael Davis, 29-Mar-2004, 09:40pm
        
        "miscalibrated" migth be different to "not working at all" though
        
        My local MOT tester is quite friendly so I'll go talk to him and see what he reckons. I can probably get it working enough to pass a test anyway. My main problem was that the cable I had didn't fit and I wasn't sure whether I just needed a different cable or whether any other bits were missing as well.
        
        Thanks for the suggestions though anyway. A new cable is on order for tomorrow so I'll see whether that gets me any closer to a working car.
        
        Speedometer cables - help!
        
        Posted By : Tim Willis, 29-Mar-2004, 10:44pm
        
        Well having taken literally hundreds of cars for MOT I can confidently say that the Speedo is not a priority for the MOT. I have never had a car driven more than a few feet onto an inspection ramp so wether the speedo works or not I can't see it failing. As for miscalibration, how many brand new cars could guarante accuracy?
        GPS speedo anyone?
        
        Don't worry about little stuff like this, your MOT tester is going to be far more interested in wether you have any sills or suspension bushes left!
        
        Tim
        
        Willow Triumph