86 or 87 SL Cluster

[Jack M]

Some time ago my speedometer in my 86SL started to be intermitent.
The Odometer always worked.

I have an 87 cluster that is supposed to be a direct replacment. As I researched I am finding that this may not be the case . Something about calibration. ????

What could be different between them and how should I deal with the speedometer.

The clock on the 86 cluster does not work what can I do to see if the 87 clock works?

Is there any way of checking the speedo out of the car?

Mr. MB (Enrique) in Reseda, CA will probably be doing the R&R.

Thanks, J

[meltedpanda]

I may be off, but I see no reason it will not work as long as the engine size is the same. You can identify the 12v pin on the board and use that to power up the clock . You may have to gorund pod to test

[rowdie]

The EPC lists the same part number for the '86-'89 speedo. What is the VDO PN on the face plate?
I would go ahead and replace the odometer gears just so you don't have to pull the cluster again in the future.

[Jack M]

Hi ,
The faceplate numbers on both clusters are the same
107 542 90 01.

The odometer is 48k less that the original. One more thing to deal with. Can the replacement OD be easily reset? I GUESS IF I PUT IN NEW GEARS THEY CAN DO IT AT THE SAME TIME.

CAN I DRIVE THE CAR WITH NO CLUSTER, I MEAN, DRIVE IT HOME WITHOUT THE WHEEL FALLING OFF?

THEN I DO ALL OF THE CLUSTER WORK BRING IT BACK TO MR. MB AND HAVE HIM TIGHTEN THE WHEEL AND REINSTALL THE AIRBAG?

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR CHOICE OF STEPS?

THANKS JACK

[abiby]

Originally Posted by Jack M

Hi ,
The faceplate numbers on both clusters are the same
107 542 90 01.

The odometer is 48k less that the original. One more thing to deal with. Can the replacement OD be easily reset? I GUESS IF I PUT IN NEW GEARS THEY CAN DO IT AT THE SAME TIME.

CAN I DRIVE THE CAR WITH NO CLUSTER, I MEAN, DRIVE IT HOME WITHOUT THE WHEEL FALLING OFF?

THEN I DO ALL OF THE CLUSTER WORK BRING IT BACK TO MR. MB AND HAVE HIM TIGHTEN THE WHEEL AND REINSTALL THE AIRBAG?

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR CHOICE OF STEPS?

THANKS JACK

Only issue I can think of (there may be others) is plugging the vacuum line.

However, since you don't want to DIY, is there any reason not to have the new cluster repaired and then just have them exchanged. It would save any issues with driving without cluster or airbag.

[rowdie]

I am not positive but I don't think the charging system will work with the cluster removed.

[Roncallo]

Yes you can drive home without the cluster. Plugging the vacuum line is wise but not really necessary since the vacuum is orificed to that area and the O2 sensor will make up any difference. You might want to also remove the cluster miniature bulbs as the may rest against something that will start to burn.

[abiby]

Originally Posted by rowdie

I am not positive but I don't think the charging system will work with the cluster removed.

Possible, but I think that would only apply to cars with a direct read ammeter.

[Jack M]

The in car cluster had a non working clock also. The cluster was removed and taken to North Hollywood Speedometer. The working clock from the replacement cluster was removed and switched out for the dead one.
The decision was made to rebuild the original speedometer which included a new electronic receiving head and the replacement of the gears. This kept the correct mileage on the odometer. The cost to reset the reset the newer odometer was as much as rebuilding the original head. The plastic was cleaned and dust removed. The cluster was bench tested and everything works fine.

Kevin at North Hollywood Speedometer did the repair overnight. The car drove without any issue with the cluster removed.

The R and R of the cluster was done with out any issue and took only minutes. Sometimes it pays to let experienced people do some things. So now I have a spare cluster out of the car with good Gauges, Tach, Speedometer , Odometer with 98K showing .

Thanks to you all for your advice.

[meltedpanda]

thanks for the closure, so many threads are left hanging