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TR4/4A Long Speedometer Cable for OD Transmission

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KVH

KVH

Obi Wan
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I reported earlier that I'd purchased a cable that was too long, and that I had to loop it. Well, I checked the Moss catalogue and what I bought is what they say is for the OD transmission. I don't get it; it's way too long. But my speedometer is bouncing around a 10 MPH range on either side of actual speed, so that loop I made must be causing some binding. I'm curious if anyone has suggestions here. I can't leave large loose areas or that will cause other problems. For example, I need to keep it away from the exhaust. Thanks for whatever advice you may have.
 
I cannot recall from the earlier post whether you are using an angle drive on the gearbox. My OD has an angle drive and I use the shorter (66") cable - in fact it is the same one I used before I added the OD.

An angle drive combined with the long (96") cable would indeed leave you with a lot of cable to take up in some fashion -- possibly not a successful combination.

If you have the long cable and no angle drive then the routing would be the same as on a TR3 with OD - though I do not have that combination so someone who does will need to explain it.
 
IIRC, the 4A could no longer use the side approach through the handbrake boot (for the long cable ala TR3); because the handbrake was moved to the center and hence no boot on the side. A quick peek at the 4A SPC confirms that the LHD OD kit includes a 504948 cable, which is the same as non-OD LHD.

So, accept that the Moss catalog is simply wrong (frustrating, isn't it?) and buy the non-OD cable. You can try returning the wrong one, but don't be surprised if they tell you "No one's ever complained before."
 
Thanks guys. I just realized that to remove the long cable is three hours of work to remove the interior again--can't access the connection. I do have an angle drive BTW. I'm going to get embarrassingly creative.
 
KVH said:
Thanks guys. I just realized that to remove the long cable is three hours of work to remove the interior again--can't access the connection...
Click to expand...

Which is why I have a hole in the tunnel on that side to get at the angle drive and that thing you do to adjust the OD.

Also have a pair of holes on the driver's side for filling the gearbox and servicing the solenoid.

I cut the carpet over the tunnel to allow it to separate under the dash support making it easy to get it out of the way.
 
Seems like you could make a wide U on the distributor side of the engine without any sharp bends. Just tie it away from the steering column so it can't rub.
 
KVH - I think you know what the correct solution is. I know a too-long cable would bug me even if I finagled it into a position where it would work.
 
In the end I managed somehow to slip the cable up over the transmission, then clipped it along the driver's side frame and made a nice easy U hoop up into the firewall. It seems perfect--but now I need to see if it works and stops bouncing my speedo needle around.
 
Geo Hahn said:
Which is why I have a hole in the tunnel on that side to get at the angle drive and that thing you do to adjust the OD.

Also have a pair of holes on the driver's side for filling the gearbox and servicing the solenoid.

I cut the carpet over the tunnel to allow it to separate under the dash support making it easy to get it out of the way.
Click to expand...

I'm thinking of using a Dremel to cut a hole in the cover, but while still in the car. Any reason I can't do that? I could eye it from underneath, mark it and cut it. I wonder what kind of fasteners I'd use to put a little plate back on. Speed nuts? Sheet metal screws? I also wonder how big a hole I really need.

About the carpet, I'll check, but I believe my pieces will move out of the way without removing the center console (something I really don't want to do all over again).
 
I think you should be able to cut a hole in situ. How you close it up depends in part on what your tunnel is made of these days. I just used sheet metal screws and some sealant around the edge of the 'lid'. That black gooey strip stuff I cannot recall the name of.

Shoot, on my other British car someone before me opened up the existing hole (factory, for U-joint Zerk access) to be able to service the angle drive. Nice work, eh?:

TunnelHole1_zps56beec9b.jpg


I cleaned it up to make a neater full hole (tunnel is non-removable) and finished with a cover:

TunnelHole5_zpsae4ca707.jpg
 
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