Stupid odometer-Idon't know what's wrong!
 

so I've had the odometer out of the car four times for it not operating correctly. I've had it out of the car and checked the gear and all the gears inside the mechanism and put it on a bench with the drill and it works correctly. I go back and put it in the car and hook it up to speed ometer cable and it works while driving around the block but when I come back and park it turn the key off and let it sit an hour, it then does not work ever again or at least until I take it out of the dash in and open it back up. it is a 1983 model and I have looked at all of the tutorial videos and all of the information on the post and done all the advice that has been given but I do not know why the odometer is so intermittent in its operation. I just need to know if I need to send it off to a reputable rebuilder or any other advice that would be greatly appreciated. I am curious about Hall effect sensor on the back will affect the operation of the odometer also. thank you very much.

I also have an 83 and I also had this problem. I have read of many others having this problem but never a definitive solution. All I can tell you is what I did to fix mine. This is as best I can recall.

Like you I had mine in and out several times and ran it on a drill. My best guess was that the drill clamps to the outside of that brass colored tube, while the cable shaft in the car seems to spin on the inside of it. My best guess was that the inner shaft receiver was slipping in it's brass tube. My "fix" was to clamp the drill chuck down on the brass tube and tighten very hard. I figured I might squeeze it all back together.

That was about a year ago. It's still working. Try it. Let me know.

Flagtie, I know this is stupid and not at all helpful, but I now have the image in mind of you driving around with a drill attached under the bonnet! :-)
What did you use when you fitted it to the car ? a small hose clamp?
Apologies and regards...

the 83 odo is purely mechanical. every time when u remove the gauge, is the nut that holds the speedo cable to the gauge still tight?

Under the bonnet...ha ha. Actually, there wasn't enough room there. Instead I attached the tire side of the flexible shaft to a drill I keep in the car with me. As I drive down the street, I pull the drill trigger to keep the odometer turning.

The odo on my 83 only worked part of the time also.

I just pulled out the speedo and sent it to a repair shop. Didn't cost much and it's been working well for many years since. I don't know the name of the shop but I do remember it was in Texas.

HTH

Flagtie, I'd love to buy you a drink as you made me laugh. :-)

I'm sure you're not serious (are you?) Hahaha!

I haven't laughed so much in quite a while! :-)

Is the cable secure at the front drivers side wheel? Take the dust cap off and check there. If it isn't, the speedo will work momentarily

Have you checked for a break in the cable itself?