Hi All,

On my 1984 300D, I recently swapped in a 1985 differential and with it a 1985 speedometer. I drove around for a few months and all was fine except the mileage was wrong, so I pulled it out and updated it to the current mileage.

Right now, the mileage is correct and is incrementing properly, however the speedo reads about half what it should.

I had the same problem a year ago after puling the instrument panel and I thought it was my speedo cable, so I replaced it. Unfortunately, that has done nothing to show the correct speed.

My understanding after doing some research is that if the odometer increments properly, the problem is inside the speedometer. My only thought is perhaps it needs some lubrication. When I run it off a drill and square bit, the needle doesn't move. Also, sometimes it will not go back to zero when parked.

What else can I do or check here?

Thanks,

Dkr.

Most metropolitan areas have a speedometer shop. They'll pull it apart, clean it, replace gears and/or bushings as needed, and calibrate the unit. I haven't had one done in years but there was a shop in Farmington, MI that did mine when I was still in MI. Anyhow, that's probably the way to go. If you don't have a local shop, Google for "speedometer repair" - I know there are several repair services who solicit business that way.

EDIT: Here's the shop I used in MI though I see they've moved to Howell: http://www.bobsspeedometer.com/1/120/index.asp They'll sort it out for you.

Dan

Here are some folks that I've seen several referrals:

Overseas Speedometer | Speedometer & Odometer Repairs

They specialize in German speedometers.

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Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )

Does your drill have reverse? Try turning the spedo in the other direction.
Seems like that is what I did on one spedo to see if it worked on a 84 in PNP.

On the face of the spedo to the right of the resting pin for the needle, there is a small white paint mark.
Lift the needle over the pin and see where it lines up with the paint mark.
It should line up with the mark. This is a reference point when the spedo`s are being put together.

You could remove the needle, and reposition it to the right of the paint mark, and that will tighten up the spring a bit.
Or you may have to go the other way.

Replace it and see how it reads.

If the odometer is off then it is the pot metal gear slipping on the shaft.

__________________
there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

Thanks. I will try this.

I appreciate the referrals to the speedometer repair places. I'm hoping to not have to send it to them, but will if I have to. I have another speedometer I can use in the mean time.

Dkr.

the speedometer IIRC does not have any gears... it's a slip configuration... calibrated for the diff ratio of the car. if the speedo is not behaving properly... taking it to a shop is the best course of action...

now, the ODOMETER is certainly gear driven... and the gears do a lot of behind the scenes stuff...

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 560SL convertible
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 158"WB
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!