speedometer cable

[tog0035]

Hello All . My 1981 built Mk 2 has an electronic speedo, seems to be fairly accurate but does not record distance covered. the speedo in the metro dash is dsconnected. The cable lies on the floor and the drive inner cable does rotate but seems too short to reach rear of speedo.the engine is a 1000cc and my question is ; Is there a specific cable required . Can anyone offer any advice .Regards TOG.

[DavidL]

I believe it should be a standard Metro cable, but I've no idea how easy they are to get hold of these days. I've also heard that some of them have been made with one or other of the square ends too small to drive the speedo properly, although I haven't had this experience myself.

Sorry I can't be more help.

[Stuart]

A QSC3031 cable fits, although I could have the short inner cable problem on my car, haven't got round to checking why the speedo stopped working.

[Rich]

I think I'd be tempted to upgrade your electronic speedo to one with an odometer. I've always found the standard equipment inaccurate and nothing but trouble.

[tog0035]

Hello all . I have just discovered that the speedo cable is 2 part and have screwed them together ,seems a bit fluffy and bouncy. the wheels are 13 inch and the tyres are 175 /50R 13 . Would this combo distort the speedo reading that much. Thanks again TOG.

[Stuart]

My first cable was two joined together. Some speedos are really smooth and others a bit like yours.
Your wheels should be in the ball-park. There were lots of differing speedo drive ratios, whether or not you have the right one is a different matter.

[max midas]

I check wether my speedo is correct by doing the following:
drive down the motorway at exactly 120kph or 74.5mph (a bit slow on most motorways these days)
time how long it takes to pass 10 of the little white marker sticks at the side of the road, they're 100m apart.
if your speedo is correct it should take 30 seconds to cover the 1km at 120kph.

[tog0035]

Thanks guys . Stuart could you elaborate on the speedo drive ratio. Can it be sorted ,Max thanks for the advice on checking but I think at 120 km I would be on the ragged edge of my 1 litre engine also what rev range should be safe in my car. Rgards TOG

[stan1396]

Is it not easier just to calibrate it with a satnav? Most are more accurate than any other system!