noisy speedo...is it dying on me?

[charleygofast]

It started a few weeks ago...at about 25 mph it makes a horrible "whirring" sound, no other problems though,the needle is rock-steady and is accurate. I packed a bit of grease into the bottom of the unit where the cable goes and it quit doing it for about 500mi. Now its back, is this a common problem and is it fixable? I experienced the same thing with my 85 Suzuki a few years back, except the needle spun completely around and snapped off...it got replaced. I do have another speedo I can use if necessary, but would rather keep this one if it can be fixed. Any help is much appreciated all!                                                                                                         Thanks!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Charley.

[red]

It started a few weeks ago...at about 25 mph it makes a horrible "whirring" sound, no other problems though,the needle is rock-steady and is accurate. I packed a bit of grease into the bottom of the unit where the cable goes and it quit doing it for about 500mi. Now its back, is this a common problem and is it fixable? I experienced the same thing with my 85 Suzuki a few years back, except the needle spun completely around and snapped off...it got replaced. I do have another speedo I can use if necessary, but would rather keep this one if it can be fixed. Any help is much appreciated all!                                                                                                         Thanks!

Charley,

You can unscrew four bolts (Index #8 & #14)
http://www.2wheelpros.com/oem-parts/1985-yamaha-fj1100n-fairing-1-assembly.html
from the cowling, disconnect the speedometer cable, and flip the entire cowling forward and upside down in front of the bike.  The headlight adjuster is a one-bolt affair.  You may need to cut some cable ties, but you should not need to unplug any connectors.  I used a high-quality oil (Pro-Long) in the speedometer cable opening, and let it soak in for a while with the cowling inverted, before I put things back together.  Lube the core of the speedometer cable, while you are at it.  Maybe nothing lasts forever, but there is no speedometer howling here for the last few years since.

If the speedometer cable is damaged inside, you can replace it with good new stock, no sweat.

Cheers,
Red

[Firehawk068]

I did the same thing with mine.
I took the cluster out, and dripped some oil into the speedo cable opening, while upside down.
I let it sit for a day upside down and spun the gauge a few times and added a few more drops.
That was a couple years ago, and I haven't had the problem since.

[Maticuno]

I did the same as well.  Took it all apart and dripped a little bit of 10W-40 around the bearing/pillow block.  Trouble free for over 1,000 miles now, but I know it will give out eventually so I'm saving up for one of the Speed Hut GPS speedometers.

[fj1289]

Wow!  I never knew you had to feed the canary in there.   The canary in the FJ speedo is a bit like the smoke in electrical parts. I don't think the speedo actually breaks - I think the canary wipes it out just before it dies

[charleygofast]

Wow!  I never knew you had to feed the canary in there.   The canary in the FJ speedo is a bit like the smoke in electrical parts. I don't think the speedo actually breaks - I think the canary wipes it out just before it dies

Ok, I took it off and flipped it over and kept it saturated with oil for 24 plus hours (occasionally spinning it and adding a bit of oil) put it back together and low and behold... it works and its quiet 100 plus miles! Now I can actually hear that Canary that lives in there and runs the unit...do I have to feed him an what do speedometer canarys eat? Anyway thanks for the fix guys! Newbies take note...there isnt anything that someone in this group hasnt allready encountered as far as problems, maintenance, and mods involving FJs, and someone here is allways willing to help you out!!! All you gotta do is ask.                                                                                              Thanks again and happy riding to you all!                                                                                                                                                                                       Charley.

[JoBrCo]

If I would have seen this earlier, I would have helped you the same, I oiled all my cables last week, speedo, all four parts of the throttle, and the choke as well.  I even went so far as to remove all the old grease from the speedo worm gear housing that locks into the front wheel, and repacked it with fresh lithium grease. All cables now spin/slide much freer now.  Unfortunately it's something one has to do at regular intervals, as preventative maintenance, to ensure long lasting, trouble free operation.

Glad you sorted it out Charlie!

Have a good one!


FJ Forever!   


JoBrCo