VDO odometer problem

I have VDO 914 style gauges.The odometer started to make funny noises and then next thing I know quit working.It did the same last year after sitting in the garage for a while but this time quit working for good.Any ideas?I have't driven the car much since then,(around 40 miles)and it was before I put the car in the shop.Now since I have a new engine I want to keep an eye on the miles for maintenance reasons.Not that before it wasn't important but you know what I mean.

Lambros,

Sounds like the trip was reset while in motion. The VDO gauges can only be reset at rest, or you run the chance of "tearing up" the insides...

N. Hollywood or Palo Alto can fix it regardless.

Carey

I'd check (or even replace the cable first). If its twisted right off that means the speedo drive gears are toast. They are "cheap" nylon - abeit perhaps not cheap to buy and have installed.

I have one with a crapped out odometer also.
What I've found...
There is a shaft that goes from the cable end assy through the odometer and has a gear on the on the end of it. This gear drives another gear that drives the odometer. In my case the gear on the shaft is slipping on the shaft and won't operate the odometer. It sorta looks like if you could 'super glue' the gear to the shaft all would be well. Gear must have been a pressed fit to begin with as there are no splines on the shaft. Problem with super gluing is keeping it where you want it and not gluing the odo into one massive lump. Kinda hard to get reasonable access to it. And, yes, mines still broken, waiting for some incredible idea to repair it without scattering little parts I'll loose.

Those VDO speedos are as simple as they come, really, the hardest part is removing the indicator needle.

If the lack of a trip odometer really gets to you, have some fun and open it up. Whatever the problem is will be obvious at once, then just fix it or replace it.

The speedos are all over the place for around $10.00/$15.00

Check ;

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/ or

http://www.914club.com/bbs2/index.php?s=5525fd3656f13f54b4c264417e264117&act=SF&f=18

For cheap replacements.

Luck,

TC

On a related subject; would it be possible to retrofit a VDO tach mechanism inside the cheap Chinese 356 replicas? The tach in my VS is driving me crazy; when I first got the car new from the shop it didn't work; Kirk sent in a replacement that worked for a while, then started working erratically and it has been getting worse as time goes by.

Thanks guys.I will buy a new one (used).

"would it be possible to retrofit a VDO tach mechanism inside the cheap Chinese 356 replicas?"

Of course, easy peasy!

Well TC; the thing is the crappy Chinese ones look nice but work like you know what. Might be worth it to try and open one and just stick in a good VDO mechanism. Might be the definitive answer to our Chinese instrument woes....

Lambros,

Grumpy has the set of three gauges in good working order for $35.00 Shoot him an email or PM if interested and tell him that TC sent you. Just click on his name near the avatar for the "contact/information" box.

http://volksrods.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=14475

Scroll down for info and such.

TC

Do you know of anybody that has "original" looking 912 gauges(set of 3) for sale in VERY good price? and I mean good price.I spend a great amount of money on the engine and suspension so I am kind of short with money(wife will kill me). The 912 tach will fit my larger diameter 914 gauge. Grumpy has a very good deal but I would rather get the 912s.Thanks for your help and suggestions.

I have the 912 combination gauge, but I don't know anyone selling the tach and speedo right now. You're right to keep the 912 gauges in mind, they're sort of a perfect blend of the 356 faces and the 914 inner bezels, but with a sweet chromed outer bezel.

I'll keep a look out for the other two for you.

Hey Lambros
Call EASY Ph. 510-653-3279 and ask how much for a set. They had
quite a few sitting around a year or so ago. I finally put mine
in about 6 months ago. I also lowered my car as low as it would
go(about an inch or two off the bump-stops). Your car is looking better all the time.

Kurt

I just talk to the guy.He said he has a set of three for $175 + shipping.That is a good price. Thanks

Just in case anyone else is looking for a set of 356/912 gauges, these are still going for a bargain price.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Porsche-911-912-356-Gauge-set_W0QQitemZ8039440667QQcategoryZ40017QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem