Speedometer cable: cut it too long?

[Deleted User]

I just replaced the core of my '51 speedometer cable with a universal (ATP YC-101, 120", about $4.50 at Advance Auto Parts). Fearful of cutting it too short, I think I cut it a bit too long. After tightening everything down, the speedo didn't work, though the speedo end of the cable was spinning. By trial and error I discovered that the speedometer works when the nut on the speedo end of the cable housing is loosened and the cable is pulled out a little; my inference is that I cut the core too long, and it's binding up inside the speedometer.

This morning I snipped a little (maybe 1/8") off the squared speedo end of the core, and got a couple of threads of the nut to engage before the speedo stopped. When I loosened the nut, the speedo worked again. That's where things stand, for the moment.

Am I on the right track? Next step is to snip a little more off the core... and to order a spare from Advance!

Park_W

There should be only about 1/2 to 3/4" of "squared off" inner cable showing at the end of the cable housing, assuming that the cable is properly seated in the pinion at the other end.

Lance

Werdigo, cut your cable to 72" for a hydramatic. Put plenty of graphite lubricant on the cable before inserting it into the sheath.. You may want to lube the speedo head as well. There is a small wick hole near where you tighten up the knurl nut for the speedo cable .Good luck.