Need some help. I recently replaced my speedo cable on my 1969 442 4-speed. [I think it has the M21 tranny].
The speedo worked for a few hours, but now it only works intermittently. [If I back up for 100 feet or so, it will work again when I go forward].

I disconnected the cable from the gauge and the cable is not turning so I assume the problem is with the gear on the tranny. Before I dig into the tranny, am I on the right track? Is it normally the driven gear that needs replacing? When I put the new speedo cable on the tranny, it seemed like the retainer and sleeve were a bit loose. [sloppy connection to the tranny].

 

Anyone have any ideas?

 

Sounds like the cable is too short and not seating in the gear drive at the tranny. how far does the cable stick out of the cable housing? Can you compare it to your old cable to make sure the length is correct.

 

Thats a good suggestion.

I wonder if the plastic has worn its not catching well. That square shape of the cable end could have worn down into the shape of circle....maybe its slipping.

 

Thanks for the suggestions guys...The cable is brand new and has plenty of cable sticking out of the housing...seems to seat nicely into the gear reducer on the tranny.

I removed the retainer clip and took the entire sleeve, and gear reducer off the tranny and checked the driven gear and it also looks new. [no sign of wear]. At this point I'm thinking it's one of 2 things. Either the drive gear in the tranny is stripped, or the driven gear is not engaging the drive gear fully due to the fact that the sleeve is slightly loose when inserted in the tranny. [I can wiggle and rotate the sleeve a bit even when the retainer clip is reassembled and everything is back in place.]

Thoughts?