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smiths guage problem- need advice

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robert_ellison

Jedi Trainee
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my smiths speedometer on my BJ-7 only goes to 20mph and no higher. Any ideas why this might be happening?

Any references for smiths Gauge repair/replacement?
 
Many here have used Nisonger www.nisonger.com, as have I. Quality work, but not cheap. They will also replace the analog guts of your tach with solid state works, that are compatible with Pertronix ignition.
 
I'm going to assume the speedo was operating correctly until recently, and the needle is steady (doesn't jump around). Of course, I can only speculate, but it appears something is preventing the drag cup and spindle--driven by a rotating magnet--from moving freely. What, is hard to say--this isn't a typical failure mode for a speedo (if the needle was jumpy the cable would be the likely culprit).

Something could be loose or broken and jamming the drag cup/spindle/needle. That's all I can think of at the moment.
 
BJ7's all had mechanical tach drives,not sure what "analog guts" Cutlass is referring to. As far as speedo acting up, also check angle drive, sometimes square cable that goes in trans rounds off. Genos2 perhaps you meant analog face? I could be wrong, not first time, cheers
 
One simple thing to check is the placement of the chrome trim ring. When I replaced the glass on my speedo and reassembled the glass and ring I did not have it aligned properly and the speedo was hanging up. If the ring is not aligned with all the tabs and gasket just right the speedo may have a problem. Just a thought for something simple to check.
Charlie
 
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