63 New Yorker Speedo

[63Fun]

Hey Guys,

Does anyone know if the speedo in a 63 New Yorker, or in c-bodies in general, does not work when in reverse?

It works fine when going forward, but when I'm going in reverse I noticed that the needle does not move at all.

Thanks in advance!

 

[twostick]

That is normal.

Kevin

 

[Pete Kaczmarski]

I agree but I think the odometer works in reverse.

 

[63Fun]

Ya, I'm sure the odometer still works in reverse. I guess this was some sort of safety idea back then so people wouldn't see how fast they could go in reverse?

 

[twostick]

Ya, I'm sure the odometer still works in reverse. I guess this was some sort of safety idea back then so people wouldn't see how fast they could go in reverse?

No just the limitations of the hardware. The cable spins a magnet and the spinning magnetic field induces the needle to move. When you spin it in reverse it will try to move the needle the opposite direction but the movement has a stop built into it to prevent it from moving.

Kevin

 

[63Fun]

No just the limitations of the hardware. The cable spins a magnet and the spinning magnetic field induces the needle to move. When you spin it in reverse it will try to move the needle the opposite direction but the movement has a stop built into it to prevent it from moving.

Kevin

Oh wow, very interesting. Well, when going forward, my needle slightly bounces around when holding a speed. Would this indicate an issue with those components?

 

[twostick]

How much is slightly?

I'd start by checking the cable itself and also the plastic gear in the trans that drives it if the cable shows no damage.

The speedo itself seldom gives any problem and when they do they usually make a lot of noise. The cable spins that magnet at a pretty good speed so if there is a problem there it usually makes some kind of racket.

If it turns out the cable is broken, make sure the speedo head turns freely to rule it out as the cause.

There are shops that can repair speedometers but they are getting rare. There used to be one in every town but now that everything has gone digital they've all but disappeared.

Kevin

 

[barnfind]

Oh wow, very interesting. Well, when going forward, my needle slightly bounces around when holding a speed. Would this indicate an issue with those components?

Pull the cable out and grease it

 

[63Fun]

Pull the cable out and grease it

The cable itself or where it attaches in the dash cluster? Would any type of grease work?

 

[Polara_500]

It's a cable in an outer sleeve. You may want to remove the entire thing, then the inner cable will slide out of the casing and you can get lube in there. I generally like powdered graphite if what you find is dry, otherwise you may want to use a lightweight cable lubricant. Usually the inner comes out from the top as I recall but I haven't had one out for a while so I may be misremembering that part.

 

[barnfind]

Yes, the long cable from the speedo to the trans. Pull the cable free from the housing, and grease heavily. Red synthetic works great!

 

[twostick]

If the speedo isn't working at all it's way beyond greasing the cable. That can fix a jumping needle but that's about it. Heavy grease is a no no also unless you never leave southern California. Graphite based lubes are better and less affected by temperature.

You need to pull the cable to diagnose your problem anyway. Hopefully it's broken and your problem is solved.

Kevin

 

[Pete Kaczmarski]

I use Lithium grease....perfect in all climates.

 

[barnfind]

Agreed,
Black conventional wheel grease is something I would not use!

Mobil 1™ Synthetic Grease | Mobil™ Motor Oils

Operating range -40ºC (-40ºF) to 150ºC (302ºF

I don't run my old mopars in the winter for daily driving. The temp range works for the environment my cars are used in. Also check your cable for burrs, loose strands.