Date:         Tue, 22 Sep 1998 16:41:46 -0700
Reply-To:     Malcolm Holser <mholser@ADOBE.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Malcolm Holser <mholser@ADOBE.COM>
Subject:      Re: Need speedo for 87 westy--speedo problems
Comments: To: Phillip Bouton <pbouton@NACCHO.ORG>, Vanagon@VANAGON.COM
In-Reply-To:  <872936B720ECD1119B6C00A0C9C763961BF280@NACCHOEXCHG>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

You need a new mechanic.  There are *no* gears in most speedometers, including
the
VW Vanagon one.  The several gears in there are only for the odometer.  Look
for
a speedometer shop -- most cities have one or two, and they can easily clean
this
guy up for you.  They are not too difficult to work on, but the parts are very
small
and sensitive.  The way they work is that there is a magnet that is driven by
the
cable, which spins inside a cup attached to the needle.  The needle is held
back
by a thin spring, much like the balance-wheel spring of a wind-up clock.  That
is
it.  If there is oil between the cup and spinning magnet, then you will get
high
readings.  The needle rides in some bearings, and it sounds like yours are
dirty.

Malcolm

>
> I will probably be needing a new/used speedometer for my 87 Westy. It
>
> currently fluctuates between actual speed and being 5-10 mph off or
>
> more, and hangs up during deceleration. My mechanic told me this is no
> caused by the cable, but probably the gears in the speedo. Anyone have
>
> a used speedo for sale?? Please respond to me directly at
>
> pbouton@naccho.org, as I will be off the list for the rest of the week.
>
> Thanks!