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MG TD TF 1500 - Speedometer - TF, prevent damage?

> What do you recommend to prevent damage to a speedometer that hasn't turned for years?

I have read just about every thread in the archives. Some say that the odometer gears will strip if the grease is hard. Some say if it spins, then drive the car and don't open the speedo case.

The speedometer in my '55 TF-1500 hasn't worked since I bought it about ten months ago. The previous owner told me that it had not worked for years.

The cable was broken near the transmission. I bought a new Moss cable #331-140.

I inserted a screwdriver into the rear of the speedo where the cable enters, but couldn't turn it. I was afraid that I would damage the odometer gears if they were frozen, so I didn't install the new cable.

Last night, I tried to turn it again. Although it was stiff, I was able to turn the screwdrive. The screwdriver became easier to spin. The needle would move when I spun the screwdriver. I inserted the new cable and attached the other end to a drill. I ran the drill slowly in reverse. The speedo needle rose to 20-30 mph without wavering. I didn't run the drill any faster. The car is on jack stands, so I haven't driven it yet, or run the engine with the tranny in gear.

Drive it and forget about it?

Thanks for your advice,

Lonnie
TF7211
LM Cook

The gears are a fiber compound and can be stripped when the grease gets old and hard. So if you don't want to chance damage you can remove the can and clean off the old and apply a little new. Same goes for the Tach.
MG LaVerne

There are some precautions that you have to be aware of to remove the can. The trip meter shaft dis assembly requires removal of a pin that is hidden under a sliding sleeve.

This document should assist;

http://www.formalisten.org/transfer/speedo.pdf

Graeme
G Evans

Lonnie, there is a bushing at the rear of the speedometer where the cable connects. It appears that you broke it loose. If you don't want to disassemble the speedometer you might try just inserting a tiny amount of a penetrating oil into the rear of the speedometer. As LaVerne said, the gears inside can be dry and ready to strip. A complete refreshing of both instruments wouldn't hurt. Bud

Bud Krueger

> Graeme -
Shame on me. I have the 1999 version of Anthony Rhodes' manual, but I didn't read it. I have updated the file to his 2002 version in your link. I'll read and decide how to proceed.

> Bud -
I had read your excellent description of your repair. I'll read again plus Rhodes' manual.

Thanks,

Lonnie
TF7211
LM Cook

What do I need to lubricate without removing the odometer and what type of lube in each location?

I kinda got lost in the lube instructions in Anthony Rhodes' manual.

I removed the speedometer from the housing. I didn't remove the odometer and completely disassemble the speedometer. I know that I will be much more confident with the operation of the speedo, instead of just hooking it up and hoping for the best.

Everything looks almost pristine. The previous owner had the car for over 40 years, perhaps the speedo didn't work the entire time. The gears look brand new.

There was a tiny amount of substance on the odometer gear that looked like graphite in a grease-like medium.

I used a little bit of mineral spirits on the bushing at the cable and on other areas that of moving contact. Spun the cable entry with a screwdriver for a while until it spins pretty well. Then I put a drop of 20W 3-in-One oil on the bushing.

The only problem that I found was paint popping off of the pointer and off of the back of the dial. I painted the pointer. Didn't want to remove the pointer to be able to remove the dial to paint the back.

Thanks for your help,

Lonnie
TF7211
LM Cook

Lonnie

The basic principles of servicing any instrument applies here, jeweled bearings are not lubricated, brass bush bearings are using a good quality clock oil. Apply lubrication sparingly and mop up any excess, a cotton bud is a useful tool.

Mechanical drive gears should be cleaned and a minimal quantity of grease applied to them.

I learn t why the drive gears stripped in the odometer and trip meter drives on my speedo, I posted in the archive on this subject. The guts of what I said is that the numerical display cogs hang up and wont rotate, the rotational force used to turn these results in the teeth being broken in the drive train.

What ever you do dont use any solvents to clean internal components, you will watch the numerals disappear on the rollers if you do, ask me I know.

Graeme
G Evans

Lonnie, Graeme beat me to it. If you have the bushing spinning freely with a wee bit of fine oil it sounds as if you should be ready to clock miles. Bud
Bud Krueger

Thanks, guys -

Your information was exactly what I needed.

Lonnie
TF7211
LM Cook

This thread was discussed between 17/09/2014 and 20/09/2014

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