Irratic Speedo and???

[Benno #03]

OK,
Here's another hopefully easy fix with all your help.
My speedo needle occasionally jumps around 10-20kmh.
And has started screaming  at me on and off, well that's what it sounds like and it's been screaming for longer and longer each time I ride it.
Sometimes it'll stop screaming when I come to an almost stop and start again when I get going again.
And sometimes it's stop on it's own whilst riding at normal speeds.
Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
Cheer's Benno...

[red]

OK, Here's another hopefully easy fix with all your help.
My speedo needle occasionally jumps around 10-20kmh.
And has started screaming at me on and off, well that's what it sounds like and it's been screaming for longer and longer each time I ride it.
Cheer's Benno...

Benno,

Disconnect the speedometer cable, first thing.  Either get a new one, or slide out the core, and lube the cable core with some high quality light-weight grease (not white grease).  If the cable core is damaged or frayed, you will need a new cable.  For the speedometer, you can remove the instrument cluster, and let it sit inverted for a night with oil soaking into the center of the cable fitting.  On my '85, it was easiest to remove the entire cowling for this trick.  I used a high quality oil called ProLong, in a spray can, but most spray lubes are totally useless here.  If you can't find ProLong, just use the best oil that you can find.  Give the oil plenty of time to soak in, with the instruments inverted.  I just let it sit overnight.  My speedometer has not howled or jumped around since; that's a coupla years now, and counting.

Cheers,
Red

[Benno #03]

Thanks Red,
I'll give that all a try.
I've seen some sewing machine oil recently.
Is that something you'd give a shot.
ProLong is more than likely not available in my remote town.
Or could I use something like WD-40 or CRC???
Or could you perhaps recommend something else I could source from an Auto Store etc.
Another option I'd have is Bones Speed Cream(Bearing Oil).
We have a Surf/Skate Shop here in Broome and could try that.
Cheer's...

[aviationfred]

Here is a simple replacement option that is the correct size and almost period correct. A few members have installed this unit with very good results.

http://www.speedhut.com/gauge/GRM338-GPS-03/1/GPS-Speedometer-Gauge-260km-h-Metric

Fred

[Arnie]

IF you've got a good skate and/or bicycle shop, ask if they've got a product called "TriFlon" or "TriFlow".

Its a light oil with teflon particles in it.  I've noticed that RPM carries it too.

[red]

Thanks Red,
I'll give that all a try.  I've seen some sewing machine oil recently.  Is that something you'd give a shot.
Or could I use something like WD-40 or CRC???  Another option I'd have is Bones Speed Cream(Bearing Oil).
Cheer's...

Benno,

WD-40 is kerosene, not oil.  Never any good as a lubricant (it even washes good oil away), but okay for rusted bolts.
Sewing machine oil is probably too light to stay with the job for very long.
That bearing oil might do the job, but I have not used it.

Cheers,
Red

[Pat Conlon]

The death howl from your speedo is just that...a death howl. It is caused by a structural problem inside the speedo.

Sure, adding lube as a maintenance item is a good idea for keeping the gears wet, but once the howl starts and the needle is jumping around, adding lubricant at that stage is just delaying the inevitable.

http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=5718.0

[Benno #03]

Thanks again Red and Pat.
It has only started doing it in the last 100kms.
I'll pull the cable and inspect and see if it stops whilst riding.
I appreciate the knowledge and experience you've both shared.
Cheer's Ben...

[fj1289]

That's the canary dying ... didn't you feed it?