Odometer not working properly?
 

My odometer has never worked properly in my 1980 240d. So yesterday I took it out thinking that it would probably be gear that was just worn down. After taking it apart I do not see any problems in any of the gears. I then checked the cable taht turns the odometer and speedometer. The cable looked good. But I also thought that the cable could not be the problem becouse I have no problem with the speedometer, Is this true? Usually the odometer stops working at like 49.9mi, .9mi, 99.9mi, 199.9mi.... Then usually I reset the trip and the odometer usually works again for a little bit then usually stops at a similiar interval.
Any help apreciated, Thanks, Dan

A gear is slipping on its shaft. It's a pretty easy fix, and good repair info can be found at http://www.dieselgiant.com/repairyourodometer.htm

that site is great, but don't bother with the green loctite, or removing the shaft, just push the shaft out a little bit, crunch the shaft where it would be in the potmetal gear, and push it back in. it will work long after your grand children are tired of the car.

Yeah, you can skip the Locktite. I went ahead and used some because I keep it around, but it's not absolutely necessary. Just be sure when you're roughing up the shaft not to do it too much. A bit too deformed, and getting it to slide back in to place is really hard. I got a little over zealous on the first one I did, and actually had to polish it a little smoother with a dremel to get it to slide back together. :o

I just did mine this weekend :)

Just like they said above - no locktight, just a little scuffing - in my case VERY little scuffing.

Also, I used an allen key to hold the numbers in line rather than a drill bit. (Drill bits were at work - doh!). But the allen key worked great - that bend in the key gave me a little handle for leverage.

So far so good after over 100 miles.

While I was in there, I also put in 2 new capacitors to get the clock working again and my wife painted the needles all around. Looks really sharp! And it is sooo nice to be able to track time and distance - feels downright human! :p

Thanks for the help guys! My problem happened to be the same one the guy at Diesel Giant had. I happened to have some medium strength lock-tite lying around so I put some on just to be sure, and it seems to be working great so far! Dan

Another success story! Way to go! I'm beginning to see a future where everyone's odometer functions... :D

loctite not good
 

because if you smear it on something else in there you are SOL.... just score the shaft as has been advised.