Sticky speedometer

[jbscheff]

My speedometer needle in my 73 911 sticks when the car is motionless for more than a few minutes. When I start out, I can pull the speedo out of the dash (at slow speed, straight driveway, no other traffic) and shake it a bit, and the needle pops up and tracks fine. Stopping at a stoplight, it works when I get moving again usually. More than a few minutes, probably not. Stop and get out of the car, no way. Odometer works just fine, all the time.

The speedo is a mechanical connection type. I’ve pulled it out and plugged a drill in and at even the slowest speed i can make the drill go it seems to work fine. I’ve lubed it with Teflon and seen no change.

I didn’t check to see if the needle is metal but is it possible there’s a charge built up between the needle and the pin? Any other ideas before I send it off?

Car’s back on the road after a loooong rebuild. Speedo was in a box for 6 years

[triguy]

My tach was sticking occasionally, when I sent it in I was told the clear plastic curves in with time and touches the needle making it stick. You might have he same thing going on. I ungraded to glass and its all good now.

[jbscheff]

Thanks. I upgraded to all glass too, but I’ll check to see if it’s touching anywhere.

[jbscheff]

Nope, glass isn't touching the needle anywhere. What else could cause this to stick?

[Trackrash]

Seems all my gauges except the tach on my car stick. I usually tap the oil pressure gauge when I start out if it sticks. The speedo will jump up after I get up to speed by itself. Oh well.

[Koizumi]

Lucky for me, I did the ol’ pull it out and gently rock so needle moves back and forth. Still works after a year.