Speedometer help

Is there any way to reattach the needle to the shaft on the speedometer? I just started looking at my original speedometer. My new one i bought doesn't allow the speedometer cable to be inserted all the way into the backside.

 

Are you saying the speedo core sticks out of the housing too far for the capture nut to screw onto the back of the new speedo. Are you sure the core is in correctly at the transfer case? Something is not right here.. The square receiver at the back of the speedo head should all be the same as far as depth. It should work.

 

It may have dirt, crud or even a broken-off tip from a previous cable down in that square drive hole in the back of the speedo?

 

That is exactly my problem^. If there is a piece of cable stuck inside, any ideas on how to take it out?

 

Squirt some solvent or penetrating oil up in the hole and try to dissolve the grease and dirt holding the broken end in. Gently tap the speedo on the bench - to try and make the broken end drop out. I expect that the end broke off and it is stuck in there with oily/greasy dust and dirt.

 

Insert a piece of wire into the back of the speedo head. Mark the depth and measure. Now measure the square factory crimped end of the core. You can also slide the core out of the housing a bit and observe the core sliding into the back of the speedo. It should fit all the way in. If not, make sure the tip is not bent. If the core is too long then you will have to trim it off at the transfer case end.

 

I literally went through this same issue last weekend. I used a straightened small gauge, fish hook (for the barb). I just stuck it down in to the broken off piece that was still in the speedo,... pressed just hard enough to get a grip, and pulled it right out.. Hope this helps.

PS: Ultimately the speedometer was frozen up so I had to buy a couple used ones to make 1 good one...LOL but that's how it goes

 

Now that's thinking with your dipstick, Jimmy! Good tip!