[divotandtralee]

Anybody got one? Might need it as mine might have the cable broken off inside and it's been that way a LONG time from the log of maintenance records, each with the same mileage. Can't think of what else it is as the speedo checks out and a new cable won't spin when disconnected from the speedo and observed by a deputy in the passenger seat. We're going to check the depth of hole tomorrow against a good one in a tranny on someone elses floor. Any more bright ideas would be welcomed.

PS Reed Cearley rebuilt the box. We never considered it to be afoul. and yes they are not interchangeable with the split case.

Thanks in advance, wimperingly, Uncle

 

[AR58SprintV]

Dear Uncle Whimper,
If needed, send me a P.M.
I believe in tunnel-cases, could be one of a few different ratios?
Laurence

 

[30931]

If you mean the 'depth of hole' as how much cable length could go in, it's about an inch.
I had problems with repeatedly breaking the cable end off. With the nut screwed down tight the cable housing was not rigid against the drive. I think I was missing a bushing or something. A new cable, unlike the original, or first replacement solved the problem.

Doug

 

[divotandtralee]

Tell me more... did you get the stub out of the housing spindle? How? I tried a new cable but obviously it only goes in half way and never really engages in the square drive end.. as I stated the rmainenance records go back a long time and the mechanics were Alfa guys like Paul Glynn in Essex MA. Each time it was serviced, it showed the same mileage. When I bought it in 2005 I drove it around the block and parked it until now, never noting the speedo not working. They must have been aware of the problem and had no quick easy cure. I'll double check the ratios, Laurence. It's a N street car so it is probablya 4.56

 

[divotandtralee]

It's a 4.56 (9/41) .. 9 teeth as you know. definitely something blocking the cable as it only goes in 1/2 way and not engaging.

 

[alfazagato]

Take out the drive from the box and smartly tap it face down and with a bit of luck the broken length of cable will fall out.

 

[divotandtralee]

Take out the drive from the box and smartly tap it face down and with a bit of luck the broken length of cable will fall out.

Good idea.. or else turn the car on it's side and shake like hell.. I'm trying a stiff wire with a burr hook on the end coax it out. and i can fell it in there but it's lodged pretty tight. I could put a bit of cheese next to it over night and see if that works too.. friggin' rat

 

[alfazagato]

Do you have one of those Dentist's probes of which your can bend the end to catch the remainder of the cable? FWIW I tried turning the car on its side but it didn't work half as well as removing the drive!

 

[divotandtralee]

A safety pin is about the only thing I can get in there with but it won't hold the bend

 

[divotandtralee]

Sorry, correction, the drive gear in the transmission has 9 teeth.. the speedo drive it is mated that I need to has 25 teeth and will be marked 9/25 or have stamped symbols on the unit or the gear

 

[30931]

It's been a while. I vaguely recall having to figure out how to extract the broken end, but I don't remember how I did it. I wonder if a small drill bit would catch hold?

Doug

 

[alfazagato]

No, remove the drive and bang it hard and the broken inner cable will eventually dislodge and come out. It has happened to me twice and this method has worked both times.

 

[divotandtralee]

No, remove the drive and bang it hard and the broken inner cable will eventually dislodge and come out. It has happened to me twice and this method has worked both times.

Stuart, while you were sleeping I did as you said and with some patience the mouse came to the hole. I was dreading draining the oil and a sealant (some assemblers love that goop) that would not budge it but I was lucky.. The oil level is almost below the driver, which I just realized staring at it and the driver popped right out. A wood pecker pecking on a brass plate freed it the loose impediment. Also discovered the spindle is bent. More to make right.

Thank you all for your help and support... and Stuart take a bow!

 

[alfazagato]

The method has worked three times now...well done! Its has to be standard workshop practice!