280i - Speedometer Just Stopped Working

[m2500tvr]

Anyone with any insight/experience with the speedometer bits on the 280i who
might be able to assist in advance of my digging into this.

Just last evening, the speedometer stopped working. I removed the cable from the
back of the instrument. The cable drive isn't turning. Broken cable? Something
broken in the gearbox?

Any ideas of the source of this cable?

Thanks,

- SJ

[RCK974X]

Assuming orig. Ford gearbox, They have a plastic gearwheel which drives the speedo cable, and they can get mangled if the cable gets 'sticky' and hard to turn. Also I've seen old Triumph ones where the square at the cable ends gets rounded off and slips.

to get the gearwheel out, there is a hammered in metal 'cap' on the opposite side of the cable terminal. With care you can get a small screwdriver under it and gently lever it out to replace the gearwheel.

[MJG280]

If it is the cable then send to http://www.speedycables.com/ and ask for a new one. They use the external end fixings and make a new one so you can have it longer or shorter. If your cable is broken than a longer cable may give a better radius and not wear out.

[TVR RULES]

I agree. However,the cable only turns if the transmission is in gear in either forward or reverse. I replaced my cable years back when it snapped. I used the stock cable housing at the trans and at the VDO speedo, but used a MG midget cable and it fit and worked great.

[m2500tvr]

Thanks, all. Yes, original Ford Type E 4 spd gearbox. I suppose I have first remove the cable to see whether it's intact, then take it from there. Are parts still available for this box?

I'm in the US. Speedycables looks great, but a ways away. I'll contact them to see what it looks like to work with them. An MGB speedo cable? That would be easy enough.

Thanks.

- SJ

[RCK974X]

Not sure what is around in US, but as far as I know the Leyland stuff has a screw on end at the gearbox (Triumphs certainly do), so MGB may not fit - surprised Midget ones do, but OK, it's a different gearbox to MGB ...

I know for European stuff that any 4 speed and later 5 speed Ford cables will fit, 5 speed one are slightly larger (smaller?) so may need a little filing around the edge... Cortina ones fit, but I think they are a bit too long...

If you have the SW instruments, the speedo cable is a special anyway, as far as I know.

Sorry that's not much help for US....

How about the Sierra stuff, I think you guys got the XR4 bodyshell with the turbo 4 cyl engine, (Merkur XR4Ti ?) not sure what gearbox that was, but it might be worth a try ?

Edited by RCK974X on Monday 19th March 19:36

[m2500tvr]

The car uses a VDO speedometer.