Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi!
Recently my speedo stopped working, the needle gradually works it's way up to the correct speed but goes very slowly and then stays at that speed when you slow down, I assumed the needle was just sticking as the mileage still went round accurately. I changed the speedo and the new one does exactly the same.
Is it just coincidence that both speedos have a sticky needle or can it be a problem with the cable?

Thanks

i would have a look at the cable

Coincidence - just dribble a very small amount of 3 in 1 oil onto the needle bush in the back of the speedo (you need to remove speedo and lay it flat). Not too much or it will run onto the face. One which hasn't been used for a while wil get sticky because the grease will bind up on the shaft.

Thanks, I'll try that next time I'm home...

I had similar symptoms once. Pay special attention when inserting the cable in either end fitting. Somehow the square end didn't enter right and put too much axial pressure on the speedo drive and restricted needle movement. sometimes it never came all the way back to 0. It took too long to figure this one so now the speedo reads too fast.

It certainly can't be the cable. But I suggest even 3 in 1 oil may be too thick/viscous. I believe watch makers have ultra thin oil - which may be more suitable. Perhaps a few drops of Lighter Fluid initially - to try to dissolve away 'varnish' from old oil ?