creampuff Posted September 1, 2014 Report Share Posted September 1, 2014 My speedo cable broke on my '79 620 (manual 4 speed) I slid it out from (lower) cable housing and also managed to get the shorter length out from the meter end. It snapped about a couple feet from the speedometer. I laid both ends on a board and it measured almost 76 inches. In a hurry I bought a repair cable only (no sheath/housing) that NAPA said would work. It was to be cut to length since it came out of the box at 120 inches. It did not have the correct sized (keyed) end to connect to the tranny pinion gear. I returned it and ordered an assembled complete cable with housing. I was a little worried since NAPA said it would be 70 inches long. Well it seemed to reach both ends easily going the same route as the original and I was pleased on the test drive that my speedometer was working great. Next day only the odometer was working when I drove it. Speedo needle kinda floats at positions (on a clock face view) between 4:30 and 7:30. Is my cable too short or my gauge broken? It's starting to make some noises so I'm not driving it till I figure it out. New member here...any one help? Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted September 1, 2014 Report Share Posted September 1, 2014 Speedometer cable length is generous so a slightly shorter one is fine... or longer. Cables break from holes in the outer sheath letting in water that freezes it soild and the transmission just twists it off. Dirt and rust can seize it also. Perhaps there is something wrong with your gauge and previously it jammed and the cable twisted off. Take the gauge out and spin the gauge by hand. It should be very easy to spin. Quote Link to comment
creampuff Posted September 2, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 2, 2014 I was hoping it would be you datzen. You'll never know how much your posts have already helped me with repairs on my '79 620 pick-up! So I will be getting a service manual this week but if I could lean on you a bit...Photos that are posted show that the speedometer is part of an instrument cluster. Your previous reply refers to taking the gauge out. Just want to clarify whether the gauge could be taken out separately. If indeed the cluster needs to be pulled I will proceed carefully... seems with all the wires and such, it could create complications if connections are strained. Will a Haynes manual really walk a person through the steps needed to pull the cluster? 1 Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted September 2, 2014 Report Share Posted September 2, 2014 You have to remove the fascia, that tan cover over all the gauges and switches. Don't forget the radio, wiper and cigar lighter. Once off you can unscrew the gauge cluster and lean it towards you and reach in behind and unplug the speedometer and the large roundish 12 pin connector in the back of the assy. Lift the speedometer and cluster gauge assembly out. It's hard to get your hands in there so maybe unbolt the strap holding the steering column up against the dash. It will drop an inch or two for more wiggle room. It comes out just be patient Quote Link to comment
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