Mind of its own Minx

[code109]

Hi
does anyone know any common faults with Hillman minx Speedos? Mines a '66 De Luxe and the Speedo doesn't work...

Well when I say doesn't, it bounces around all over the place as soon as you started moving, and says you're doing 100 sometimes when you're only doing 30 (ish)

Then sticks solid on 100 (top speed) when I go over 60 (ish)

Having to judge my speed atm but don't think it would pass an MOT lol and it just misses out on the MOT exemption!

Any idea? All help appreciated

Cheers

[Rich]

Well, you have kinda diagnosed it already, the speedo doesn't work.
But to be more helpful, what it sounds like is that oil has tracked up the cable and gotten into the drive portion. You can carefully take it all apart and if it's contaminated, you can try wash it carefully in something a bit solventy but be careful not to wash off any of the face or odo numbers- remove these if you can. Then Let it air dry and try it. Worth checking that first.

[taurus]

I had something similar ages ago and it was the speedo internals sticking. The cable would try to register the speed but nothing would happen for a second or so, then it would jolt loose and over-read as the lash in the drive cable let go. It may be that as speed builds up it's just jamming at the top end of its movement.

If there's no sign of oil contamination in the speedo (which would also cause it to stick) then try putting some kind of very light lube with teflon in there. Not WD40, that'll kill it.

[georgeb]

Or you have some drive teeth missing.

[code109]

Thanks for all the help guys

I've bought a new cable, and will clean it all up when I replace it.

I can understand missing drive teeth causing the bouncing around, but would it make it stay solid on max speed once up to about 50/60?

[nomad]

Just guessing below - hope it helps

Something (dried oil?) inside the speedo head is causing the sticking/jerking?
the new speedo cable is a good start.
Remove the speedo glass, does the needle turn & spring back freely when moved around by hand or are there sticky points ?
Maybe find some cleaner (solvent?) to remove old dry grease - then relube lightly with a dry (graphite?) spray?

[code109]

Judging by the way the Speedo moves back and forth itself, it doesn't seem to have any problem with sticking...

I only say it stays at max speed because it goes so crazy when you're only just moving, that once you get a decent amount of speed it just so crazy that it is staying on max? My theory anyway

I'll do the Speedo cable and quick clean when I have a free minute and see how that goes