OK, I Can Take Bad News

[dabtl]

The tach cable does not turn. It must be replaced.

I have found several postings on this but no one has indicated how much time and what the difficulties of replacing the entire cable and housing will entail.

I am assuming it is a miserable time consuming chore.

Well?

 

[M813rc]

I replaced the tach cable on the 813, it took about 30 minutes (but I'm slow). The cable came from Saturn, I think I paid $28 plus shipping (2 years ago). I haven't done it on a deuce, but don't imagine there is much difference. Hope that helps and offers a little encouragement.

Cheers

 

[devilman96]

Takes about 30 mins... Its right on top of the engine.

 

[Wolf.Dose]

In Germany we do something simple: we go to the next Siemens VDO tachometer / Tachographshop and get a new one made for relatively little money. The Speedometercabel for my converted M715 was about 30 Euro, which is arround 40$.
Wolf

 

[dabtl]

How do you reach the engine connection? The air compressor belt is in the way. Do I remove that belt to get to it?

 

[Wolf.Dose]

To my understanding this should not be neccessary. May bee it helps for easy access.
I replaced a fuel pump on a M1009 with installed engine which according to the manual is not possible. Good luck!
Wolf

 

[dabtl]

I am going to try a 1" crows foot wrench. On my way to Sears now. We will see what happens.

 

[clinto]

You don't have to remove anything, but it's a real bear to reach. I found the easiest way was from the driver's side, with the side panel down. I used a shorty wrench to remove the tach cable from the 90 degree adapter on the timing cover.

 

[dabtl]

1" crow's foot wrench from Sears solved the problem in less than two minutes when I got back.

Nothing to it.

One last clamp and it is out. Should be easy to put back in. Just uncomfortable in the cab.

 

[FreightTrain]

When I did mine I pulled the radiator.Flushed everything out while there.Hardest part is gettin to the back side of the gauge.Real PITA.

 

[dabtl]

OK, for all those who follow:

First getting the tach loosened from the dash is a PITA. I think it is best approached from under the dash with a head lamp to loosen the two nuts holding the tach in place.

The cable and housing are held by three clamps. Easy to remove. You have to remove the rubber grommet on the hood side of the dash to remove the cable. Replace it.

I used a 1" crow's foot wrench from Sears on the engine connection. Nothing to it. Loosen it by hand after and remove.

A small amount of thinking before hand will save a lot of time.

 

[randyscycle]

The easiest way to get the underdash end off is to disconnect it from the engine, then pull the whole gauge panel out enough to reach the back of the tach. Saves the twisted neck, contortion thing.....

 

[dabtl]

I may try that in reverse. The good news is those who follow after searching will have a much better idea of how to do this after viewing this thread.

 

[crazyplowboy]

The easiest way to get the underdash end off is to disconnect it from the engine, then pull the whole gauge panel out enough to reach the back of the tach. Saves the twisted neck, contortion thing.....

I agree, when I replaced mine I took the insturment panel out and disconnected the cable from there. Much easier than laying upside down and being uncomfortable.

 

[littlebob]

I agree, when I replaced mine I took the insturment panel out and disconnected the cable from there. Much easier than laying upside down and being uncomfortable.

Thats what I was thinking too. There are only for bolts holding the cluster thing to the dash and should be easy from there.

littlebob

 

[bottleworks]

If a tach cable is your only bad news, consider it good news. Bad news is snapping a camshaft in two.

 

[rockman]

I got a nos cable if you need one.

Bill

 

[randyscycle]

Funny thing with a deuce, for such a large truck, there is almost no room to work under the dash......

 

[Flea]

Has anyone done the speedometer cable? What's it like vs. the Tach cable?

 

[Capt.Marion]

Funny thing with a deuce, for such a large truck, there is almost no room to work under the dash......

The deuce has a pretty small cab. (At least for someone 6') And, besides, what vehicle is it easy to work under the dash on?