odometer not working

[thaxtela]

The odometer in my 1986 911 (turbo look) stopped working. I would like to have it fixed however am unsure if I should just buy the rebuild kit from Pelican Parts or attempt to find a used speedometer that does have a working odometer. I have no idea how "idiot proof" the rebuild process would be as I am new to this. The one I have is European and goes to 300 KM so I would prefer to keep it as I live in Canada. Any ideas????

[Hugh R]

Without a doubt, send it to North Hollywood Speedometer. Do a search on odeometer and you'll get opinions both ways on D-I-Y NO ONE says its a piece of cake.

[Bill in OKC]

I did this repair... You cannot get the speedometer face off easily and it *looks* tampered with - at least from behind - when you are done. If you send it to get it fixed by pros then the bezel should look like new when you get it back. It is an ageing issue with the plastic gear so finding a unit with a working odometer (even new-old-stock) is not a good solution.

[Thrasher]

I agree with both Hugh and Bill.

I did this job and wrote a detailed posting with pix :

Odometer Gear replacement for Electronic Speedometers (long)

It is a tedious job and when the speedo is pulled, it is obvious that it has been opened. Also, I couldn't figure out how to calibrate my speedo while it was out. NHS could do it all very competently, but get your checkbook ready.

I'm a tightwad and felt like I'd really accomplished a major feat when mine was put back in and fixed for $25. It has clocked several thousand miles since then without issue. I got my gear from www.odometergears.com.

It looks perfect as it sits in-dash and works perfectly - just depends on your tolerance for tedium.

[bigchillcar]

yeah..i believe the replacement gear will be brass and not the old plastic gear, which basically dissolves..
ryan

[Thrasher]

mine was nylon. the rumour was that the factory gear was
1. lubed with an oil that caused it to dissolve
2. sacrificial and, therefore, made to give way before the other gears.

[bigchillcar]

nylon..you're correct..i hadn't thought about this gear in a while. and you're right about the oil being the known culprit, too. you're batting 1.000, thrasher..
ryan

[Thrasher]

Gotta be the 'roids.

I think the older cars had a pot metal gear in there that was also designed to be the sacrificial lamb (softer) so that if the works got jammed up, only the gear would give way, leaving the mechanism repairable.

Oh, and btw, there is also a wive's tail about the reset while moving causing this. It may hasten things, but only on a gear that's already well on its way to death.

[bigchillcar]

Gotta be the 'roids.

yeah..always heard not to hit the reset button while moving as well..
ryan

[Gunter]

Originally posted by bigchillcar


yeah..always heard not to hit the reset button while moving as well..
ryan

That is one of those stupid myths that just doesn't die.

You can hit the reset button all day long while moving without any damage to the gears.
If you ever see the inside, and the mechanism, you'll see why.
If you don't believe me, send an E-mail to NHS and ask them about this issue.

Cheers.

[bigchillcar]

okay doc gunt, i will buy your story and discontinue propagating the myth.. information is king and 'in the kingdom of the blind, the one-eyed man is king..'
ryan

[IROC]

I have a 180-mph mechanical speedometer laying on a shelf that has this odometer gear failure. I would like to get it fixed as I suspect this speedo is somewhat valuable. What's the ballpark $ for getting NHS to fix this?

TIA.

Mike

[steve911]

thaxtela--
Just had the same issue with my '85. Both the odometer and trip odometer stopped working. I sent the speedo off to NHS and had it back in less than a week. Cost was $130 + shipping. I had read the posts about doing myself and opted to let the pros have at it. Couldn't be happier.
Gauge looks great (they cleaned it in the process).

When you remove the gauge, carefully note where all the wires go. I labeled the wires and drew a diagram.
There are 3 lights in the back of the speedo as well. The entire housing comes out (with the bulbs) - just pry the housing out with a small screwdriver.

[Thrasher]

Steve911, did that include speedo calibration?

[steve911]

Originally posted by Thrasher
Steve911, did that include speedo calibration?

Yes, NHS calibrated it to factory specs

[Thrasher]

"Factory Specs" - so it's off by 5 mph like all the rest?

[Bill in OKC]

I *calibrated* mine by installing the needle pointed at 0 mph. Then had a friend bring his GPS on a ride and it was only off by 2 or 3 mph.

[brendon]

I just had this failure as did a friend of mine. I was feeling adventurous tonight (a little liquid courage ) so I took her apart - it went real smooth.

My gear is toast just like the rest of them, so I ordered one from the link provided above. Should have it in a couple days.

I hope all goes back together as easily as it came apart!!

[ewave]

Some info from my speedo rebuild, and trying to cal:

Carrera VDO Speedo SUCKS.

[TroyGT]

I replaced my odometer gear on my 86 Carrera and it wasn't so bad... least I could pull the gauge and bring it inside and work at the kitchen table, as opposed to laying on my back under the car. When I opened mine up, the gear was total crystalized. It just went all to pieces when I touched it. I ordered the gear, nylon, for about 20 or 30 bucks and replaced it myself. Not a bad job at all. You will have to work the bezel a little to get it off, but if you take your time and go slow, you can do this without mangling it.