Flying down the street at 20 mph ?

I just replaced this non-working speedo with "early style that fits CJ5, CJ7 and CJ8".
Trouble is, it reads really low compared to what my apparent speed is.


Is the speedometer gearing different from "early" to "late"? Is it based on transmission?
Bob in Arkansas

 

What did you do with the non working speedo?

And the speedo should work. I'd check the cable and make sure it spins without binding. Make sure it was well seated into the back of the speedo.

 

Non-working unit is saved in a box for parts later.... Used a good (operational but not new) cable from my cj2a. That original 2a speedo works fine on that jeep so thought false reading on ECJ5 might be the gearing, either in the trans or speedo unit itself causing it to read too low mph. Replacement speedo is used but does operate (sorta). Bob in Arkansas

 

Off topic, but that's a cool radio in the dash.

 

What size tires do you have? If the trans is stock and the tire size is close to stock, I would assume the speedo is close to accurate. But whatever it is, I doubt it's the speedo gearing.

Does the back of the speedo turn eaisly? There are some writeups on here that detail how the speedo works. They only take a little dirt and dust to cause them to not work to well. And there is an oining point on the back. I bet some of the speedos have not been oiled since they left the factory............

 

My used speedo is almost new, showing 186 miles on odometer. Got it for cheap on epay.... buyer beware? turns easily with fingers, cable is good, old cable was twisted off about 2 inches above transmission. :?

Thanx, fletcher, for the flowers re: radio... guess it's original.

DID YOU SEE THIS COOL JEEP RADIO/CB?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=110286276651

Bob in Arkansas

Tires are 7.00 x 15 grip spur co-op tires, trans is 3spd t18, v6 odd fire

 

Pretty sure that all mechanical speedometers are similar in their calibration, ie 100 rpm at the cable makes a 90 degree deflection or some such.

Try taking your new speedo head out of the dash for a careful cleaning and lubrication. Put a dot of light oil, like 3-in-1 oil or sewing machine oil on the cup bearings for the needle. Be careful though - it's like a clockworks in its function, and you don't want to damage it while cleaning it.

 

Thanx, Tim
Will post results and any further mysterious occurances.

 

Just for a test, I hooked up different speedo (from my CJ2A) then duct taped it to t-case shifter, IT READS CORRECTLY. !! New speedo calibration is off... seller agreed to refund $$

Now I have a real pretty door stop but still need new speedo ........... Bob in Arkansas