The Ford Barn

46woodie · 09-04-2021, 08:35 PM

Speedo on my 46 is pretty erratic up to about 30-40mph. The cable gos through a gear changer for my Columbia then to my speedo. Any suggestions why I cant get steady reading while driving?thanks

cas3 · 09-04-2021, 10:05 PM

Either the cable is dry, needs grease, or its not routed correctly, needs smoother less kinky corners

46woodie · 09-04-2021, 10:32 PM

Thanks,will lube tomorrow

glennpm · 09-05-2021, 11:31 AM

Disassemble the Columbia supplied Stewart Warner speedometer "transmission" while you're at it.

Royal Ryser · 09-06-2021, 09:47 PM

cas3, what do you lubricate the cable with?

cas3 · 09-06-2021, 10:21 PM

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You can buy actual speedo grease intended for this, but I just use a lithium based grease. Not the white stuff, it tends to dry up and get hard over time.

Mart · 09-07-2021, 04:50 AM

I oiled a speedo cable once, and it did not help. I then greased it and it did help. I think the grease acts as a damper of sorts and damps down the fast/slow action.
The fast/slow action is normally generated at a kink in the cable so check the routing. Also check it is not close to the exhaust at any point.
Mart.

4dFord/SC · 09-07-2021, 01:04 PM

Just a tip. When you disconnect the cable from the speedometer, immediately cover the end with a plastic baggy or some such. Those things tend to have a mind of their own and can leave skid marks on your kick panel and/or upholstery when you're pulling them out. No need to ask how I know.

09-04-2021, 08:35 PM	#1
46woodie Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 366	Erratic speedo up to about 30mph Speedo on my 46 is pretty erratic up to about 30-40mph. The cable gos through a gear changer for my Columbia then to my speedo. Any suggestions why I cant get steady reading while driving?thanks

09-04-2021, 10:05 PM	#2
cas3 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Beverly Kansas Posts: 5,558	Re: Erratic speedo up to about 30mph Either the cable is dry, needs grease, or its not routed correctly, needs smoother less kinky corners

09-04-2021, 10:32 PM	#3
46woodie Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 366	Re: Erratic speedo up to about 30mph Thanks,will lube tomorrow

09-05-2021, 11:31 AM	#4
glennpm Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Mid-Coast Maine Posts: 3,349	Re: Erratic speedo up to about 30mph Disassemble the Columbia supplied Stewart Warner speedometer "transmission" while you're at it.

09-06-2021, 09:47 PM	#5
Royal Ryser Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Colorado Posts: 553	Re: Erratic speedo up to about 30mph cas3, what do you lubricate the cable with?

09-06-2021, 10:21 PM	#6
cas3 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Beverly Kansas Posts: 5,558	Re: Erratic speedo up to about 30mph Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) You can buy actual speedo grease intended for this, but I just use a lithium based grease. Not the white stuff, it tends to dry up and get hard over time.

09-07-2021, 04:50 AM	#7
Mart Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Solihull, England. Posts: 9,240	Re: Erratic speedo up to about 30mph I oiled a speedo cable once, and it did not help. I then greased it and it did help. I think the grease acts as a damper of sorts and damps down the fast/slow action. The fast/slow action is normally generated at a kink in the cable so check the routing. Also check it is not close to the exhaust at any point. Mart.

09-07-2021, 01:04 PM	#8
4dFord/SC Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Columbia, SC Posts: 1,579	Re: Erratic speedo up to about 30mph Just a tip. When you disconnect the cable from the speedometer, immediately cover the end with a plastic baggy or some such. Those things tend to have a mind of their own and can leave skid marks on your kick panel and/or upholstery when you're pulling them out. No need to ask how I know.