<VV> Cable lube for speedometer

[Eric S. Eberhard]

I never have which is why I may be having speedo problems ;-)   But, 
they are VERY fussy about what you use.  If it is remotely too 
sticky, too thick, etc. it will do more harm than good -- for example 
a lithium grease spray would be fatal.  WD-40 I hear is fatal.  A 
VERY light machine oil I believe is correct -- applied in the 
fraction of a drop quantity.  I suspect others on here might know 
more -- but in all my Vairs I have never had a problem ... until now 
:-(   I have had problems with cars I got where they used grease and 
even oil on the cable.  It gets cold at my house (20F) and even 
colder at my cabin (0F) but I think grease is a problem under 40F ... 
so in CA probably OK.  I use the liquid graphite which does not end 
up making cable noise as someone posted -- but I bet it is very 
specific to the actual graphite.  Some dry completely to powder, mine 
appears to have some quantity of light oil.  It is from NAPA in a 
white can with a funny cap and spray button (not the typical red 
stick in thing, a big wide button).  It is specifically designed for 
speedo cables and says so on the can ... and I bet if you ask the 
parts guy he will direct you to the right can.  It is messy but 
actually cleans up well on anything but the carpet -- it'll wash off 
of seats and door frame -- but I'd make sure you cover the carpet.  Eric

At 04:12 PM 11/1/2011, Bryan Blackwell wrote:
>Sounds good - should I do anything with the speedometer itself?
>
>--Bryan
>
>On Nov 1, 2011, at 3:47 PM, Eric S. Eberhard wrote:
>
> > Spray graphite (I get mine at NAPA).  It is liquid but I think 
> the liquid quickly goes away.  I clean my housing out with brake 
> cleaning fluid and then spray this in.  You disconnect at the rear, 
> remove the cable, disconnect from the speedo, put a drop cloth on 
> your floor, and use the little red skinny spray tubes ... shove 
> them as far as you can down the hole and spray till it comes out 
> the rear.  Wait 10 minutes after the brake cleaner (it will be dry 
> then and leaves no residue).  Wait 10 minutes after the graphite to 
> insert cable (it won't be dry).  After the cable is 90% inserted, 
> re-attach the rear (I find it easier this was).  Then finish with 
> the cable.  Might have to giggle it around to get it to seat.  Eric
> >
> > At 06:03 PM 10/31/2011, you wrote:
> >> Date: Mon, 31 Oct 2011 20:38:14 -0400
> >> From: Bryan Blackwell <bryan at skiblack.com>
> >> Subject: <VV> Speedometer lube
> >> To: Virtual Vairs <virtualvairs at corvair.org>
> >> Message-ID: <0990A917-F466-42D8-975D-799A056778DF at skiblack.com>
> >> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
> >>
> >> Given the recent speedometer threads, I have a related 
> question.  I have a good speedometer to put in the wagon, before I 
> do so should I lubricate it somehow?  Where?  With what?
> >>
> >> --Bryan
> >


Eric S. Eberhard
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