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Speedometer lubrication

Discussion in 'Early Jeep Restoration and Research' started by y2k-fxst, Aug 11, 2015.

  1. y2k-fxst

    y2k-fxst Member

    So I bought this NOS speedometer for my CJ6 and was wondering since it has sat on the shelf so long before I put it into service is there some place I should lubricate before it goes into service? Just concerned that any factory lubrication will be dried up long time ago. If anyone has pictures that would also be greatly appreciated.
    [​IMG]
     
  2. rejeep

    rejeep Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I was looking at that guy for my 6 as well...
    nice buy!!

    a little shot of white lithium grease never hurt anything..
    I shot some in my cluster and speedo cable..
     
  3. timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    It's a beautiful speedometer. I'd want to put it on the shelf and admire it from a respectful distance.

    The speedometer will have jewels that the needle turns in. You could put a dot of oil on each of those; something like clock oil or model train oil. This will come in a dispenser with a needle, just for tiny bearings.

    I'd lube the cable with white lithium grease.
     
  4. y2k-fxst

    y2k-fxst Member

    Mine was AWOL when I bought the jeep. Was looking at the reproduction ones but, they don't look right and have not heard good things about them. This one was pricier but, hopefully will last.
     
  5. uncamonkey

    uncamonkey Member

    I hate to be repetitive but do a search, A picture of the back side would be a help. some had a screw that was just above the place where the speedo cable screws in and a person could at least lube that part from there. Have you at least tried to spin that little brass piece on the back to see if it works? I tore apart a speedo on my MB to get the odometer to work. A real PITA. It did work after.
    Yeah, tell me... Per your signature, I've sold two XT500s and my Harley in the last year and still have three Jeeps.
     
  6. Alan28

    Alan28 Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    I remember that there is grease at the other exit, where it is connected to the gearbox?

    At the level of the odometer, you can unscrew and add with some good oil for mechanisms (arms).

    Inside the odometer I suppose that there is some grease.
     
  7. PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    A speedo that beautiful should only be lubricated with the tears of unicorns.

    I'd buy another (used) one to actually put in the jeep...

    My '57 stripped out the plastic odometer gear in the head, so I think you are wise to check it out.
     
  8. jeepermc

    jeepermc Active Member

    Mine had a little opening on top of where the drive cable connects. I put drops of handy oil in there and spun it for 2 miles by hand after I unfroze it..... lol. Works great now.

    And that is one beautiful speedometer!
     
  9. ojgrsoi

    ojgrsoi Retired 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Beautiful part. Will look really nice on your dash. It's not every day you see something like that. Ok....it's rare....i said it. Please don't ban me....
     
  10. y2k-fxst

    y2k-fxst Member

    My speedometer spins freely by hand and the needle moves. Mine has no screw at the connection but, it does have a small hole at the top of the connection point. I will attempt to put some machine oil in there. I am going to have to rear it apart for cleaning The packing peanuts that it was shipped in have left crumbs inside the lens. Also looks like the colored pieces that go behind the amp, oil, and high beam lights have came loose and slid down. The corner of the amp light color piece is barely visible the other cannot be seen.

    Oh, and search function for the forum only has four posts and a Google search only seems to bring up rebuilding services. That's why I started this post.
     
    Last edited: Aug 12, 2015
  11. jeepermc

    jeepermc Active Member

    They're just held in place with tape. Once I took mine apart I had to re-tape them in place.
     
  12. uncamonkey

    uncamonkey Member

    Sorry, I've always had some good luck with a search here on this site. At least you tried first.
     
  13. y2k-fxst

    y2k-fxst Member

    No problem, seemed weird to me that there was not more people wondering the same thing as I was.
     
  14. Greenshirt82

    Greenshirt82 The Old Girl - '69 CJ5

    I used a spot of superglue on the edge.