Topic: Tach/Speedo Cable WOES.

[DanielB]

When I purchased my '77 550K the PO told me the tach and speedo were not working and all they needed was a new cable. I pulled the cable from the back of the tach and it wasn't spinning when I started the bike so I am assuming its the cable. Well,  I was just trying to change my Speedometer and Tachometer cables and am having some issues. 

The first issue, the screw holding the speedo cable into the front fork is stripped. (thanks PO!) Any suggestions?



Next issue, I dont want the ones holding the tach cable to have the same fate!  It seems really hard to get these 2 out without pulling the tank.  Is this correct? I have to remove both of these screws?  Should I pull the tank to make sure I have a solid grip on it?  Any tips?



Is there an alternate bolt/allen head I can put in place in case I have to change the cables again?

[Fritz]

The first issue, the screw holding the speedo cable into the front fork is stripped. (thanks PO!) Any suggestions?

First of all: Get yourself the single most important tool to work on this bike: An impact driver set.

If this is not getting the screw out, you could use a tiny drill and a small screw extractor.

Next issue, I dont want the ones holding the tach cable to have the same fate!  It seems really hard to get these 2 out without pulling the tank.  Is this correct? I have to remove both of these screws?

Pulling the tank is not hard at all and if you want to do regular maintenance on your bike, you should get used to it

You only need to remove the lower screw. The upper one is holding the tach gear in place.

Is there an alternate bolt/allen head I can put in place in case I have to change the cables again?

Yes, replacing it with a 5x20mm SS allen head bolt will let you remove it without the need to take the tank off

[MCRider]

Yes, impact driver first thing. The speedo screw may be past that however.

One of the first tricks taught me by a mechanic was how to get screws out that have head the slots ruined. Get a teeny like 1/4 inch chisel, very sharp. Set it on the outside rim of the screwhead, leaning, so that when you tap it with a hammer, you are driving the head in the counterclockwise direction.  Really works. This is good for 99% of these situation.

Yes you can find allen heads for this purpose. The speedo drive is designed for a countersumk type screw so an allen would work but look weird.

Better, use standard screws with a touch of anti-seize under the head of the screw. These screws are generally not stuck at the thread area, but under the heads where they contact the thing they are tightened against.

And don't overtighten them.

[DanielB]

So I have a feeling this isn't suppose to come out inside my tach cable...



So, I need a new one of these: (tach drive?)



Anyone know where I can get one?

I need one of those and a new horn now.  Hopefully I can get both of these things soon, we are having some cool weather!

[nomad]

I was having a similar issue with that same speedo cable screw today.  A little penetrating oil for a few hours and an impact drill did the trick.  Needless to say, I'll be replacing that boogered up screw.

[wrenchmuch]

Don't hammer on the speedo drive with an impact wrench . I broke one this way . I Dremeled a slot in the head and got it out that way . The sharp chisel at an angle idea might work too . I take this screw out often and apply new anti seize to avoid future problems .

[DanielB]

I Dremeled a slot in the head and got it out that way .

That is what I did. I'm going to get an allen head to replace it.

Anyone know where I can buy the tach drive?  I couldn't find it on oldbikebarn.com.

[voch]

try bikebandit.com they get OEM stuff.