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MG TD TF 1500 - TF Speedo & Tach cables

Both Moss and Abingdon offer original style cables for the speedo and tach, as well as replacement type cables that are sheathed in PVC. The replacement types are a lot less expensive, but has anyone had any experience using those and if so, do they work as well as the original type? I don't know if I need to replace my original style ones as yet. If I do...would getting those with the PVC sheathing create less parasitic drag on the internal drive cable which would theoretically assist with the accuracy of the gauges assuming the cables are properly lubricated? The replacement cables appear to be of a lighter construction...so perhaps not as durable, or other issues they might introduce?

Jim


Jim Rice

Been running the Moss PVC cables for 45 years and 26,000 miles with no issues whatsoever.
John Quilter (TD8986)

Thanks John!

Jim
Jim Rice

John:

Can the PVC cables be disassembled for cleaning and lubrication? I'm planning to use a spray on graphite product (Slip Plate) if needed. However, since the sheathing is PVC not metal, does that negate the need to lubricate?
Jim Rice

Hello Jim. I'm still running the original cables that came with the car. I've had the car since '63 and turned the odometer over 3 times.

Butch
R Taras

Hi Butch:

My intent is to still use the original type cables currently in the car. I've yet to disassemble and inspect them to be sure they are OK. IF however they show any sign of kinking or frayed cable strands, then the question of using the PVC cables as a replacement becomes a consideration...thus the earlier questions. Perhaps some needle float is normal for the speedo and tach. I just don't know how steady those should be.

Jim
Jim Rice

Hi Jim. If you have an early flat faced speedo and tach they are chronometric, and by design, flick back and forth. The later speedo and tach with the dished faces are magnetically driven and move smoothly. The cables can be removed, sometimes you have to remove a slotted washer from one end then pull it out the other end. If you have
questions give a call to West Valley instruments and ask what they recommend for lubrication.

Butch
R Taras

Butch:

The TF is a 1500 and has the dished faces. The pointers don't jerk....they just seem to have a lot of back and forth float (+/- 3 to 4 MPH) when trying to hold a steady speed.

Jim
Jim Rice

One way to determine if the issue is the cable or the gauge is to remove the gauge from the car. Then use a variable speed drill with a square drive into the gauge and see how it reacts.
Christopher Couper

Initial inspection of the cables does not show any kinking or frayed strands...so far so good. I have those and the sheathings soaking in a degreaser. I did note the cables looked rather dry and discolored on the upper half (towards the instruments) Perhaps dried out grease or light surface rust? I'll clean them up thoroughly and re-lubricate. I did query West Valley on lubrication. Their response was:

"A bearing grease is best. Not a lot is needed." Maybe I'll re-think the use of the spray-on graphite given their recommendation. That said, I did not see any maintenance recommendation for the cables (miles or time). Any thoughts on an inspect/clean/re-lubricate schedule?

Jim

Jim Rice

Hi Jim. I've never taken mine apart. There appears to be enough oil from the grease in the tach drive to lube the tach cable and even though I have a Moss seal conversion there appears to be enough spray oil and a natural weep from the transmission to lube the speedo cable. But then my car isn't put away for the winter and gets driven quite a bit all year long. When I rebuild tach drive boxes and speedo conversion adaptors(for diff gear changes) I pack the boxes with Magnalube-G grease.

Butch
R Taras

This thread was discussed between 06/07/2022 and 15/07/2022

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