SPEEDOMETER PROBLEMS

[clarkim81]

I've been lurking on this site for some time now, reading all of the great information provided on this forum and it has helped me keep the "81" on the road. For some time I've noticed my speedometer has been bouncing and now it has stopped working. Any suggestions ? New Cable ?

 

[Yoda]

clarkim81 ~ Welcome aboard ~

Sounds like the speedo cable has finally bit the bullet. Depending on if you have a 4-speed, automatic and or cruise, the cable requirements will vary. If you do a search in the L81Forums or the C3 Forums for Speedometer Cable or Speedometer cable replacement, even just Cable or Speedometer you should come up with a bunch of threads on the subject.

It's alway nice to learn from others experience's or just ask your questions here

Nice seeing another 1981 involved here at The Corvette Action Center Community ... Enjoy your

Bud

 

[clarkim81]

Thanks Rare, Its an automatic with cruise. I'll use the search tool to see what I can find. I guess it would be a good time to change the speedo from the 85 mph also.

 

[Yoda]

Thanks Rare, Its an automatic with cruise. I'll use the search tool to see what I can find. I guess it would be a good time to change the speedo from the 85 mph also.

Oh yea... there are a couple really good older threads about RedLine Gauges and his 140 mph speedometer exchange program... John used too, maybe still does, exchange your ole 85 mph for the 140 mph for around $55 or so ... there are a bunch of our L81'ers that did it

Note: Cruise control will require 2 cables one from the transmission to the Cruise, then one from the Cruise Control Module to the Speedometer head Also DaveL here at the Action Center (L81 owner) can help you with aquiring the "Correct" cables or give you the GM Parts #... Dave is a GREAT source for us and the Action Center

Bud

 

[Nut]

Clark.... I guarantee it's the long cable from the cruise control transducer to the tranny. And most likely you also have a bad tranducer too. When the transducer gets worn the wheel inside will start to bind up and eventually snaps the inner wire in the long speedo cable. I finally gave up replacing my cables every year and removed the transducer completely (the cruise control never really worked well anyway); and since that day (over 6 years ago) I have never had a speedo problem.

Good luck............ nut

 

[Dave L.]

upper cable GM# 88959470
Lower cable GM# 88959455
speedo driven gear (in trans) 19 teeth GM# 3987919
20 teeth GM# 3987920
If you would like I can walk you through the test procedure...give me a call
1-800-932-0284 (7:30am - 4:30pm EST) ask for Dave L.

 

[clarkim81]

That makes sense nut, my cruise has not worked in years. Mabie I should take the same course of action, removing the transducer.

Dave I'll call you as soon as possible. I'll need to evaluate the transducer. THX

 

[bill81vette]

welcome to CAC!! and the L-81 registry forum!!!
glad to see another 81 here!!! enjoy the forums and don't hesitate to ask questions,chances are we've already done it!!!!

 

[schweng18]

John at Redline Guages does reface and calibrate the speedo to 140 mph. He has mine at this moment, just waiting for him to call to see what my odometer reads so he can set the replacement. I don't know what the core charge would be (I bought a used one off of ebay), but the charge for the service is $59 if I remember correctly.

 

[snk1994]

Redline Gagues Info

Just called Redline. Asked them the entire process. First off they quoted me at $85-95. The criteria for using your old speedometer was that it has to work properly. He asked me if the odometer and the trip meter works. "does it reset to 0 when pressed" He said he didnt have the art work so it may take 2-3 weeks. I asked if I could cut him a check and him start the process (getting the art work) and once he was ready I could next day the speedometer to him and he could turn it around in 2-3 days and send it back. Ill let ya all know how it goes.

 

[Yoda]

snk1994,

Please let us know about the new graphics... I know that John was working on getting the L81 logo on the speedo, now it, OR it used to come with the 1982 Crossed Flags...

I want to order the correct face plate Logo if possible...

Thanks
Bud

 

[clarkim81]

THE LATEST

I guess I should respond as you all have been so helpful. I looked in my garage when I went for a ride Tuesday and noticed I have a tranny leak. I'm assuming this is a result of the speedo cable as others have had the same problem. While this speedo probem occured, I was in the process of installing a new CD player. I have had ignition noise problems with the CD player and have tried everthing and now I'm at the point of changing the plugs and wires. The wires are almost all stock and the plugs have been in the car for 13 years or more. I let them go until now as the car runs good. Right now I'm hoping that the resistors in the plugs have gone, or the wires are causing the noise, which I didn't have with my old cassette player. The current plugs are an r46 which according to my owners manual should be an r45 AC/Delco.

When I started on the drivers side plugs it went well until I got to the number 5 plug.......!!! WOW I've spent an hour trying to start the new plug and finally gave up to attempt from the bottom. I guess I should add this car is from all appearances stock with 43,000 miles. Anyway I need to lift the car to finish the plugs and wires, and the speedo. I'll keep you all posted.

 

[Yoda]

cj,
Thanks for the update It is always appreciated

Sounds like your L81 found the Perfect Owner a caring, mechanically inclined person to keep her in tip top condition Sounds like you 2 are bonding :bang nicely

Bud