Speedometer woes

1952 - 1968, M38A1, M170, questions, discussions, regarding anything related to the M38a1 series.
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fred varda
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Speedometer woes

Post by fred varda » Mon Aug 15, 2016 2:40 pm

I ordered a nos speedometer cable for a 1952 m-38-A1 and the cable won"t fit the speedometer. The meter is marked MS39021-1 and S.W. 503-A. Is the cable not for this one or could it be for a 151A1 jeep? Are they the same speedometer. I have not called the dealer who sold me the cable but he is a longtime honest dealer. Any helpful info would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Fred


Joe Gopan
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Re: Speedometer woes

Post by Joe Gopan » Mon Aug 15, 2016 4:04 pm

The Speedometer you have described is correct. The Cable is square Drive on the dashboard end and is a blade drive on the Transfer end.
You will find a band on one end of the rubber coating with a ORD or AC Number, can you post the number.

Always call the dealer first, it is good etiquette, dealers hate to be the last to know of a problem.
2011 MVPA PIONEER AWARD - MVPA #1064
HONOR GRAD-WHEELED VEHICLE MECHANIC SCHOOL 1960 - US ARMY ORDNANCE SCHOOL(MACHINIST) ABERDEEN PG 1962 - O-1 BIRD DOG CREWCHIEF - 300,000+TROUBLE FREE M-38A1 MILES
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fred varda
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Re: Speedometer woes

Post by fred varda » Mon Aug 15, 2016 4:48 pm

The no. on the cable end is
5tewart
warner
the metal band around the cable has a n0. on it 7389881
These are the only no. I can find.

I respect the dealer very much and also your advice and I know how how to handle it.

Thanks

Fred

Joe Gopan
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Re: Speedometer woes

Post by Joe Gopan » Mon Aug 15, 2016 5:36 pm

ORD 7389881 for what is called Cable with Shaft Assy is correct Part No. What will not happen at the speedometer?
What seems to be the problem? If for some reason your Jeep has a CJ Transfer, the cable will not insert at the Transfer end.
2011 MVPA PIONEER AWARD - MVPA #1064
HONOR GRAD-WHEELED VEHICLE MECHANIC SCHOOL 1960 - US ARMY ORDNANCE SCHOOL(MACHINIST) ABERDEEN PG 1962 - O-1 BIRD DOG CREWCHIEF - 300,000+TROUBLE FREE M-38A1 MILES
LIFE MEMBER AM LEGION-40/8-DAV
7 MIL SPEC MAINTAINED MV'S
COL. BRUNO BROOKS (ARMY MOTORS) IS MY HERO

fred varda
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Posts: 53
Joined: Wed Apr 08, 2009 5:18 pm
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Re: Speedometer woes

Post by fred varda » Thu Aug 18, 2016 4:09 pm

Many thanks Ben

I found my problem. The old cable had broken off inside the speedometer and would not let me insert the cable. I could not get the broken piece out so a friend of mine had a 151A1 speedometer and I put it in.
I have not go to try it out yet.

Again many thanks Ben

Thanks

Fred

Joe Gopan
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Posts: 49841
Joined: Sun Mar 02, 2008 12:37 pm
Location: Proving Ground

Re: Speedometer woes

Post by Joe Gopan » Thu Aug 18, 2016 4:48 pm

You are well on the way to your Jeep Merit Badge, feels good when you figure out things by yourself-doesn't it?

Try to see if you can jar the little piece out by tapping it on a piece of 2X4. Give the hole a little shot of PB Blaster, not too much tho as who knows what the stuff will do to the speedometer innards. You can also try to remove the broken cable with a blast from a blowgun.
Oh, and never fail to disconnect the battery when removing the Instrument panel. 24 Volts is hot and will instantly fry your wiring.

On second thought, that broken cable may be from a seized speedometer. Can you turn the little brass thingy that is driven by the cable?
2011 MVPA PIONEER AWARD - MVPA #1064
HONOR GRAD-WHEELED VEHICLE MECHANIC SCHOOL 1960 - US ARMY ORDNANCE SCHOOL(MACHINIST) ABERDEEN PG 1962 - O-1 BIRD DOG CREWCHIEF - 300,000+TROUBLE FREE M-38A1 MILES
LIFE MEMBER AM LEGION-40/8-DAV
7 MIL SPEC MAINTAINED MV'S
COL. BRUNO BROOKS (ARMY MOTORS) IS MY HERO


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