Tachometer cable damage question....

[714Speed]

I took the tach cable loose from the distributor to lube it since it had been making a terrible "racket" and discovered that the end of my cable was frayed. The tiny wires that make up the cable were damaged at the end of the cable where it goes into the distributor. Obviously, I need a new cable. My question is this:

When a cable "frays" at the end like this, does this mean that only the cable is faulty, or is it common for the tach drive gear to go bad, therefore ruining the cable? Or, would the bad cable damage the drive gear?

I've only had this car for 3 weeks, and have assembly and shop manuals on their way here. But I feel like the cable is making some pretty harsh twists and turns as it comes out of the firewall. It comes out and runs smack into the chrome plug wire protectors. Should it be crammed up like this from the factory? The cable looks relatively new. The only things on the car that are not factory are the new Edelbrock quadrajet and the new Mallory distributor. Anybody have any dealings with those 90 degree couplers for the tach drive? Do they really make a difference? Many thanks,

Neil Hegwood
1971 Coupe, 4speed, 350, air, pb, ps, saddle leather, Brands Hatch Green, lovin' it.

 

[69MyWay]

The 90 degree adapter will really help. Your problem is the tight bends, and lack of lube.

A new cable and a 90 degree adapter and you will be in business.

 

[714Speed]

Thanks. I'm all over it.