Help! Speedo and rev counter not working

[irlnick]

Hi, I recently imported an amazing 1956 Ford Thunderbird and the speedo, rev counter and mileometer are not working, has anyone any suggestions what I can check first? Also if you have and photos which can assist that would be useful also. Many thanks., Nick

[CSPIDY]

I would suggest checking to ensure the cables are connected under the dash and at the transmission and engine. If they are then you will need to disconnect them and check the cable condition.

[ICON 1956]

Welcome, I would first check the drive gear located on the bell housing transmission, I would remove the drive gear (plastic) the count the number of teeth and or replace it. Check the cables make sure their screwed on tight.

[paul2748]

The tachometer (rev counter) runs from the gauge to the distributor. As mentioned, check to see if the cable is installed at both points. If they are, then undo one end and check the inner cable to make sure it is not broken.. There is a plastic gear located in the distributor that the inner cable goes into and usually comes out when the outer cable is removed. Make sure that is intact and check it on the cable to see if the hole has rounded out.

The speedometer cable end at the transmission has the same type plastic gear and inner cable. Make the same checks as above. If you undo the speedo cable at the trans end, have a friend/spouse check the speedo for movement when you turn the inner cable.

The inner cable on the speedo has to removed from the speedo end. It is usually dirty and greasy so be sure to put something in the floor before removal. Both cables (tach and speeedo) are available from the Tbird parts suppliers.

[Haz567]

All of the suggestions above sound good to me; related to this question, anybody have suggestions for tach bounce only at idle. Readout is smooth everywhere but from about 450 to 750 rpm. Between this range it bounces badly while engine is smooth.

[paul2748]

It might be a lubrication issue. There is a small hole at the top of the unit to put in some light oil. It's really difficult to put oil in while the gauge is mounted - the best way is to remove the gauge and lube it. You don't need a lot of oil there.

All of the suggestions above sound good to me; related to this question, anybody have suggestions for tach bounce only at idle. Readout is smooth everywhere but from about 450 to 750 rpm. Between this range it bounces badly while engine is smooth.

[ICON 1956]

check to see if the connections are tight....

[Haz567]

Thanks Paul & Icon. I will try oiling the Tach and although pretty sure its tight at the Tach, will check it at Dizzy.

[Haz567]

Thanks Paul!

After cleaning out the hole I oiled the tach per your suggestion and it smoothed out; thank you!

[cwwaddell]

I do not see a hole on the tach to apply the oil. Can someone post a photo of this hole?

[ICON 1956]

Here's a picture of the back of the Tach, put a drop of oil/graphite where the arrow shows, You may also place a little oil /graphite around the housing neck..... Here' a clearer picture of the back side of the Tach.