Speedometer working but not racking up miles

[Johnboy911]

My speedometer is working on my 1979 SC convertible but the odometer is not registering the miles. Is there an easy fix for this? BTW I will post pics of the car when I have access to my laptop.

Jbl

[Oh Haha]

You CAN fix it yourself but save the hassle and just send it out to Hollywood Speedometer.

While some here have done it successfully, it really is easier to have it repaired without damaging anything.

[SCOTITUDE]

odo gears shot
+1 on N. Hollywood speedo
awesome guys

[80-911SC]

ODO gears ....... do a search here and you will be amazed ....

Or go to the Tech Info Center at the top of the page and follow the clicks to the article on Odometer repair .......

Or send it to hollywood or PA ......

[jdbunda]

The odo gear is a known TADT. After you have seen one of the odo gears, made out of plastic that turns to a sugar-candy like mush, it is understandable why they all fail. The good news is replacing the gear is an easy job. The bad news is, it is getting to the gear that is difficult.

There are several DIY threads on this, and even a tech article (or is it in the 101 projects book?). I have done odo gear repairs in several BMW clusters before, so I thinks, I got this.

But even after reading the DIY threads I still managed to screw it up. First, I have no idea how anyone gets the bezel off without putting a hundred tiny bends in the edge. I tried numerous tools, and had the best luck with a tiny jewelers screwdriver, and I went SLOW and carefully, but the bezel was IMHO still beyond re-use when I was done. I am probably the only one that would notice, but it still bugged me. If only it wasn't something you looked at constantly every time you get in the car! Second, you need to remove the speedometer needle as part of the disassembly. I tried the "turn past the stop" technique, but my needle would NOT come off. Then I tried the "remove the screws with the needle still on" technique as described in another thread, and while doing this, broke the needle shaft. I went ahead and replaced the odo gear and got it back together, but had to send it off to North Hollywood anyway for the broken speedo. They fixed it, pressed on a new bezel, and replaced my plastic lens with glass, all for $150 or so, it's good as new. If it ever comes up for me again, I will just send it in without a second thought. Good work, quick turnaround, reasonable pricing. No affiliation, just a happy customer.

[Brando]

Johnboy911, if you are close to SoCal I can show you how to do the repair. Yes it is possible and fairly easy if you have a pick, flat-head screwdriver, hammer, punch and a rubber mallet.

I've repaired quite a few on 914s and early 911s alike. typically the ODO gear just comes unstuck from the shaft and then the shaft spins freely while the gear doesn't move.

[pete3799]

I say try it...if all else fails ...ship it.
I did mine and had no trouble.

[KCinBR]

Sent mine to North Hollywood speedo. it came back better than new, AND they will make it right if something else goes wrong.

[86 911 Targa]

Originally Posted by Johnboy911

My speedometer is working on my 1979 SC convertible but the odometer is not registering the miles. Is there an easy fix for this? BTW I will post pics of the car when I have access to my laptop.

Jbl

I would send it off to Paul's speedometer Shop in Hermosa Beach who has done all of our work for decades, along with Pelican.

It can be a DIY, but, the needle is a very sensitive issue.

Good luck,

Gerry

[ivangene]

read lots of posts when mine went out... I am a tight wad and the $25 fix was much more appealing than the $150 one....I am a a big DIY guy too


I sent mine to N.H. Speedo - to hell with breaking that little delicate thing in an attempt to save a couple bucks....I will make it up somewhere else

just my opinion

they did a great job - one word of caution...if you drive the car without the speedo....BLOCK THE HOLE - a LOT of air come in thru it!!!