Speedometer Compatibility
 

Hi all,

My 4.5 280SE speedo is dead both the odometer and the speedo. Replaced the cable but the speedo needle was jumping inaccurately and then stopped working.

NOS or used speedos seem super comparable to rebuilds and I wouldn't have such a long waiting period.

My current speedo is 1085428101 on the face, 160MPH. Ratio I think is 1.19. So are there other #s I can look for that would be calibrated right?

Have a look in the diesel section, they seem to be forever changing / fixing speedos. On some an internal gear strips and the ODO stops working. There is a company that makes gears for many speedos I think they are in VA or at least East coast.

As for the speed not working, the shaft where the cable attaches might be dry and locked up. The issue here is something else would have failed in the direction of the trans if this occurred.

With older cars, lots of things will need relubed to prevent failure. Windshield wiper motors / power seat - window motors / alternator / starter / heater fan / rad fan.

The part number on the bezel is for the bezel itself, not the speedo. While you can use it as a reference, there is a good possibility that the application could be different even if it has the same bezel. The part number is typically stamped in ink on the side of the case.

Plenty of good rebuilders out there.

Dan

I have a used one coming in, hopefully it works. I matched the front #s and the ratio. The cable is new too.

Hopefully the trans side is not damaged :(

On the replacement speedo. Put a drop or two of light oil on the shaft bearing where cable attaches, this will go a long way in keeping the new one going.

My 4.5 speedo did the same thing a few months ago. I ended up pulling it apart. The input worm gear shaft had broken. I welded it back together and filed the gear back. Works like new, well 46 year old new

New speedo works nicely, no odometer though (eBay seller told a fib...). I will try loctite on the zinc gear as suggested on this forum.

Good side is I have my old one to mess around with for practice.

Loctite worked! Everything working. Put some white lithium on the various gears and the connection to the cable just in case.