Snag list

[Gary t]

I am working through first drive snags. Today's project is inoperative speedometer.  I have pulled cleaned and relubed the inner cable it is nice and clean turns easily. I have checked the 90° drive at the transmission  it also  turns nice and smooth.  I am worried about the transmission output gear are these replaceable?  Is there a source (I'm to lazy to look on rdent) .
Does anyone have trouble shooting tips?

[jbcollier]

Seems all that is left to check is whether the transaxle speedometer drive is actually turning, and whether the speedometer itself works.

Jack up the car and put it on jack stands.  Disconnect the speedo cable at the speedometer and route it so you can see it.  Start the car and run it in gear.  Does the inner cable turn?

Yes, then check the speedometer.

No, follow the cable back until you find what's causing the inner cable not to turn.  Common faults:
- worn inner cable ends
- inner cable too short
- angle drive issues
- worn plastic speedo drive gear

Speedometer, spin its drive with a small screwdriver. It should flick one way but not the other.  Flicks?  Hook up a drill (turning the correct way) and run it up.  No flick, pull the speedometer for repair.

[Gary t]

Thanks John I set to go around the block and see if the flag on the speedometer cable waves.

[Gary t]

Ok I firmly believe that the problem is in the gear box. Now how hard is it to get at that gear. RD have what might be replacements but very expensive  for a little piece of plastic. Anybody have one looking for a job?

[jbcollier]

Jack up the rear of the car and put it on jack stands.  Remove the speedo cable from the drive.  Stick a small screwdriver into the drive.  Hold one wheel while turning the other.  Does the screwdriver turn?

If not, remove the plastic drive gear and examine it.  After that, you have to pop the rear cover off the transaxle.

[Rosco5000]

I know it isn't the same angle drive but I had a problem with my Elan+2 speedo, the input shaft seized in the the pot metal housing of the speedo.  Probably just from not being lubed all these years.  That was enough to loosen a crimp on the Elan's version of the angle drive.  After fixing the speedo the angle drive needed to be re-crimped internally as it had what appeared to be a fail point so that you didn't damage the transmission gear or speedo.  If you can get at the back of the speedo I could quickly tell with a tiny flat blade screwdriver that the speedo input was seized and the source of your grief.
Ross

[Dilkris]

I am working through first drive snags. Today's project is inoperative speedometer.  I have pulled cleaned and relubed the inner cable it is nice and clean turns easily. I have checked the 90° drive at the transmission  it also  turns nice and smooth.  I am worried about the transmission output gear are these replaceable?  Is there a source (I'm to lazy to look on rdent) .
Does anyone have trouble shooting tips?

I am following this thread with interest - are you running a 4 or 5 speed transaxle - (Have I missed that bit...? ) - I hope it is the 4 speed because "popping off the rear cover" on a 5 speed, (and getting it back on) - is a mission   

[4129R]

My snag list on 2520R is down to oil leak from gearbox, and water leak from pump. Engine out.

The gearbox leak turns out to be the oil seal on the first motion shaft, 24mm x 36mm x 8mm, about £7.50 incl postage.

Water was pouring out of the hole by the water pump puller, so an overhaul kit has been ordered from QED in Leicester.

Leaks Oil Through Unusual Sources.

[Gary t]

Dilkris yes a 4 speed. John said "just pop it off" most Lotus pop it off spiral downward out of control. So I may use my phone as speedometer until hibernation time. Wish there was a way to extract the gear/shaft easily.

[Dilkris]

  Whilst I have no experience of the 4 speed, I can vouch from experience of the 5 speed and "yes" removing (and replacing) the rear cover is "painful"  - and even more so if the unit is in the car...
I hope that access is easier on the 4 speed - if not - I think your phone is your friend whilst you "think about it"     

[jbcollier]

Hmm, I'd definitely rather just have to re and re the rear cover than pull the whole transaxle out.  I swapped my 5th gear from a 0.93 to a 0.86.  Pretty straight forward.

[Dilkris]

Ah - but you're really clever JB - some of us - not so. 

[Gary t]

Has anyone removed the rear cover?how big off a job is it? What supplies should I have on hand before starting? I am reluctant to take it apart and have it sit for weeks waiting for a part that I could have had on hand.

[jbcollier]

If the speedo dive gear looks good, then it may well be an issue with the drive gear.  They are not readily available and might take time to track one down.  I would use a GPS and enjoy the summer and tackle it in the fall.  Lord knows winters here are long enough to get just about anything done.

[Gary t]

John I agree about  winter.
Everything works but output from the transmission where the 90° gear box plugs in  does not turn.  Is it possible to pull the drive gear and drive gear guide out without removing the rear cover.