Oscillating Speedometer

1941 - 1945, MB, GPW Technical questions and discussions, regarding anything related to the WWII jeep.
Wolfman
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Re: Oscillating Speedometer

Post by Wolfman » Tue Dec 12, 2017 6:41 am

I remember those speedo reversing devices.
Every fly by night car lot had one.
Until the speedo law was passed.
Then they all mysteriously disappeared. :roll:
Mike Wolford
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Chuck Lutz
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Re: Oscillating Speedometer

Post by Chuck Lutz » Tue Dec 12, 2017 9:31 am

Using a powered tool on the speedo is never suggested unless you are faking the odometer reading on a working speedo.
If the needle bounces around SOMETHING ain't right... there are THREE basic component assemblies in work here, the speedo, the cable and the T/C drive.

A gummed-up speedo of unknown origin can be damaged no matter if a drill is forward or in reverse or at a slow speed. Something has to give here; the drill isn't going to bind and stop...the dried grease/crud MIGHT break loose....or you destroy your $500 to $1,500 speedo. That is why frozen speedos and drills are a crapsoot you may not want to lose, are ya feelin' lucky?

In this instance, a long time working speedo that just devoped a bounce is most likely to be due to the cable lacking lubrication and/or being routed the wrong way. Follow that with a speedo that hasn't been lubricated since WWII and finally, the T/C gear possibility.

Being that the fastest, easiest, cheapest, simplest thing to check is in fact the cable....remove, clean, lubricate, install correctly and go for a test drive and report back. Be sure that the little "keeper" on the inner is at the speedo head end when you put it back into the outer sleeve!
Chuck Lutz

GPW 17963 4/24/42 Chester, PA. USA 20113473 (USA est./Tom W.)
Bantam T3-C 1947

Joe Gopan
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Re: Oscillating Speedometer

Post by Joe Gopan » Tue Dec 12, 2017 9:37 am

And where does one buy the special oil necessary to lubricate the internals of a speedometer?
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HONOR GRAD-WHEELED VEHICLE MECHANIC SCHOOL 1960 - US ARMY ORDNANCE SCHOOL(MACHINIST) ABERDEEN PG 1962 - O-1 BIRD DOG CREWCHIEF - 300,000+TROUBLE FREE M-38A1 MILES
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Re: Oscillating Speedometer

Post by Wolfman » Wed Dec 13, 2017 6:14 am

I figured you had some on the shelf, Joel.
Only those of us that fit into the vintage category would have such a thing. 8)
In this high tech, digital world things like "speedo lube" have become "obsolete" and "no longer available".
When is the last time you tried to buy a "points file" ??
Mike Wolford
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AOPA ( 50 yrs)
EAA ( 49 yrs)
4th Inf. Div. - 5th Inf. Div. - 2nd Armor Div. - CIB

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Re: Oscillating Speedometer

Post by Joe Gopan » Wed Dec 13, 2017 9:38 am

The local shops the dealers sent speedometers to used it. There is one gentleman from the old days that is still working on starters and generators. The Ordnance Support Unit for the Guard had it on hand as they had an Instrument Technician. I have a couple NOS AC Speedometers on my spares shelf for my CCKW.
Go to your NAPA and Advance Auto Parts Store, they have Point Files by KD Tool.
I still have and occasionally use my point files, gotta be careful tho as the tungsten surface is skimpy compared to points of yesteryear.
2011 MVPA PIONEER AWARD - MVPA #1064
HONOR GRAD-WHEELED VEHICLE MECHANIC SCHOOL 1960 - US ARMY ORDNANCE SCHOOL(MACHINIST) ABERDEEN PG 1962 - O-1 BIRD DOG CREWCHIEF - 300,000+TROUBLE FREE M-38A1 MILES
LIFE MEMBER AM LEGION-40/8-DAV
7 MIL SPEC MAINTAINED MV'S
COL. BRUNO BROOKS (ARMY MOTORS) IS MY HERO

dinof
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Re: Oscillating Speedometer

Post by dinof » Wed Dec 13, 2017 4:15 pm

Some Ace Hardware stores like us still have them, wonder why? :D
Dino Falabrino
On the "G" since 1998.
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Re: Oscillating Speedometer

Post by Wolfman » Thu Dec 14, 2017 6:40 am

I have checked with the local NAPA store. No point files. But may be a local problem. College boys have taken it over. They are good guys, but, me thinks they have figured out they make more money selling points than they do point files. 8)
Ace ?? have one of those locally as well. A really great place. Never considered they would have point files.
Don't think I have seen a late model car or truck with a speedometer cable. Just computer sensors and wires.
Makes folks like ourselves a minority.
Mike Wolford
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Comm./Inst. SEL
AOPA ( 50 yrs)
EAA ( 49 yrs)
4th Inf. Div. - 5th Inf. Div. - 2nd Armor Div. - CIB

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Re: Oscillating Speedometer

Post by Joe Gopan » Thu Dec 14, 2017 8:23 am

NAPA up here sells KD Tools. I bought a handful of Point Files to send as gifts to MV friends not too long ago.
2011 MVPA PIONEER AWARD - MVPA #1064
HONOR GRAD-WHEELED VEHICLE MECHANIC SCHOOL 1960 - US ARMY ORDNANCE SCHOOL(MACHINIST) ABERDEEN PG 1962 - O-1 BIRD DOG CREWCHIEF - 300,000+TROUBLE FREE M-38A1 MILES
LIFE MEMBER AM LEGION-40/8-DAV
7 MIL SPEC MAINTAINED MV'S
COL. BRUNO BROOKS (ARMY MOTORS) IS MY HERO

Wolfman
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Re: Oscillating Speedometer

Post by Wolfman » Fri Dec 15, 2017 5:03 am

The local NAPA guys might be able to get point files if I bought a case of them.
I can see it now. Everybody sitting around the Christmas tree, looking at each other asking, " what is this ??" Mumbling, " what did the old fart get us this year ??"
:lol:
Mike Wolford
CJ-2A
VEP GPW
Comm./Inst. SEL
AOPA ( 50 yrs)
EAA ( 49 yrs)
4th Inf. Div. - 5th Inf. Div. - 2nd Armor Div. - CIB

Bruce W
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Re: Oscillating Speedometer

Post by Bruce W » Fri Dec 15, 2017 9:02 am

Tell 'em they're nail files........ :D BW
G Trp 2nd Sqdrn 3d Armored Cavalry Ft. Lewis 1970-71. 43GPW(Sarge?) 47CJ2A(Teddy) 47CJ2A(Rusty) 47CJ2A(Zak) 48CJ2A(Lefty) 48CJ2A(Uncle Linden) 53CJ3B(Bulldog) 88XJ(Pluto) NE CO


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