Recurring odometer issue
09-20-2018, 04:00 PM
#1
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Recurring odometer issue
I have already replaced the odometer gear in the instrument cluster, so that is not the problem. What does occur is that the odometer works for a while, then randomly quits working. I take the cluster out, check everything (no slipped/misaligned pins), put it back together and it works for some time, then quits again. Process - rinse, lather, repeat. Any ideas on why this keeps happening and how to ensure it stays working? Car is a 1987.
09-20-2018, 09:34 PM
#2
Instructor
I experienced a very similar situation many years ago (1996 with 134,000 miles). I replaced the Odometer gear, worked for a while, then quit. When I took the instrument cluster out again, I noticed a little binding of the gears on the odometer shaft and there was a very small amount of play laterally of the gears on the shaft. I installed a small, thin washer as a spacer between the most right gear and the end of the shaft. I felt there was a slight mis-alignment/meshing of the odo gears that caused a binding. Never a problem again............(2018 with 292,000 miles).
09-21-2018, 04:30 AM
#3
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
My buddy has a similar problem with his 968. New gear, but it intermittently works. We had no idea what to try next so we'll try a thin washer. Maybe a wavy spring washer?
09-21-2018, 05:20 PM
#5
Nordschleife Master
I experienced a very similar situation many years ago (1996 with 134,000 miles). I replaced the Odometer gear, worked for a while, then quit. When I took the instrument cluster out again, I noticed a little binding of the gears on the odometer shaft and there was a very small amount of play laterally of the gears on the shaft. I installed a small, thin washer as a spacer between the most right gear and the end of the shaft. I felt there was a slight mis-alignment/meshing of the odo gears that caused a binding. Never a problem again............(2018 with 292,000 miles).
There's a really good writeup at a site called "Dwayne's Garage". He goes into all the detail needed to remove everything, disassemble everything, replace the gear and put it all back together.
He noted that the 'slop' issue is with the odo display 'wheels' (the ones with the numbers).
They would bind if there was too much lateral play.
I did mine (in the 928) and there was just a bit of slop. Not enough to matter, I thought. About 2000 miles later, the odo stopped working. When I got it apart, it was apparent that the wheels were binding. I could get it to bind by spinning the gears by hand. It was 'right on the edge' before, and wore out just enough to bind up.
I put a small washer in between the wheels and the 'frame' and haven't had a problem since (13k miles).
Dwayne's site:
http://dwaynesgarage.norcal928.org/
Odo repair is near the bottom.