mechanical tach cable

[jmp]

After unscrewing the tach drive cable from the dist, should I just simply be able to pull the cable out?

 

[jim coulter]

On my 71 you just unscrew the connector on the tach cable and pull it straight out. I can not say for sure on a 72, but would think it would be the same

 

[jmp]

OK, I tried just pulling it out and it seemed stuck, but maybe I just need to pull harder (didn't want break anything, although I need to replace the mainshaft and cross gear anyway).

 

[72Slydog]

There is a spring clip on the tachometer that you have to depress that releases the tachometer cable housing. Look up under the dash with a flashlight and locate where the tach cable connects to the tachometer. You will see the spring clip.
Depress clip with a screwdriver and have helper pull on cable to release. When installing new cable, feed it through the firewall, find end of cable while looking under dash and line up with tachometer. Takes a little practice and patience but it can easily be done.

Hope this helps. Just replaced mine. Make sure to grease the tach cable with high temp on the bottom two thirds of the metal inner cable before installing.

 

[jmp]

72Slydog,

I'm trying to remove the cable from the distributor, not from the tach itself. But thanks for the info -- it'll probably come in handy in the future.