VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 1929 speedometer

I have tried a Search on help. What is the best way to stop the speedometer cable housing from leaking transmission oil at the transmission.

Put a felt washer with OD the same size as the ID of the coupling and ID of hole in the middle just larger than inner cable end. The felt will dramatically slow or even stop leaks if the transmission lube has a high viscosity.

In addition to Chippers suggestion also check your gear to be sure the groove on it for the oil return is not worn out or plugged.

Thank you both, I will look at the gear and install a felt washer after I locate some felt. It might be in the package of gasket material I got at NAPA. Check on it tomorrow.

I have never seen felt supplied with any gasket material. You can find it at a hobby store or sewing supply store.

Had same problem as most probably have. I did not think of a felt washer. I did cut a piece of leather the same size as the ID of the coupler and punched a 1/8 or less hole in the leather. The hole was smaller than the cable end. I have had almost no leakage since I did this. Worked for me.

Yes, a leather washer should work great as well.

We have a craft store close by and the leather washer is another way to go. I should have an old belt around here to use. I love the VCCA

Know this is old(er) but I am working on this now
why not use a fiber rubber to make the washer/ gasket, or thin cork ??
i have a sheet of felt for crafts i can use as well. just asking !!

This may not be a good idea, but I put a soft plastic garden hose washer in mine. I had to sand off a little of the outside diameter. It hasn't leaked a drop while parked in the garage. It was easy to do and if it leaks I will try leather.

I think you will need something that wipes the oil from the drive pin such as a seal with a 1/8" hole in the center. It will be interesting to see how it works so please post the results.

i cut one out of Felt from the crafts bin
Speedo Cable Washer

I have used felt washers on the speedometer connection to the transmission for at least 30 years. I make my own from a thick sheet of felt. They hold the higher viscosity lube. Not sure how they will work with 85W transmission lube. I am sure it would be better than nothing.

If you can make the center hole small enough that it's a snug fit on the rotating speedo cable, it will help stop the gear oil from migrating up the cable. In other words, the felt washer should fit snugly around the cable, thus sealing both the cable housing and the cable itself. Either thick leather or felt works great.

All the Best, Chip

I used a piece of leather...made it out of the tongue of an old boot....10 years ago...Still dry.

There are Steinway parts in my 1931 Chevrolet. They are well hidden.
Your local piano technician has felt washers.

ok, thanks guys did not know that you would want the felt to be against the spinning shaft. basically serve as a wipe to keep the oil from walking up the cable.

so i could just cut a small slit in the felt and slide it over the shaft.

should it fit SNUG against the outside of the housing/ threads ??

Exactly and yes....

All the Best, Chip

ok made a NEW one tonight....

Speedo Felt Washer 2

That outta work.

How thick is the felt?

I can check when i get home, but i would say around 1/16" (.062") at rest

Actual Thickness was around .045" when measured

Good. Thank you.