New DeLorean owner means lots of old problems...

[LoveThySpatula]

Greetings DMC community.

I have recently become the proud owner of 1242 through Toby at DMC NW - shockingly helpful for a car dealer, I'll be going back.

More to the point, she is a fine specimen but she does need some work.

There are only minor issues with the vehicle, but the most frustrating (tied with the bad fuel sender) is a malfunctioning speedometer. According to the repair paperwork (and a little bit of sleuthing), all of the components of the speedometer drive have been replaced with the updated components - lower cable, adaptor, angle drive and dust shield. Despite these parts being replaced, the speedometer is, for the most part, very inaccurate. It will infrequently fluctuate up or down approximately 4-5 MPH while driving under 55 MPH. Over 55 MPH, however, it consistently jumps around like an overly caffeinated toddler on an industrial sized trampoline.

My suspicion lies with the dust shield, however, these parts being professionally installed by a highly reputable mechanic, I doubt this is the issue. However, my being largely unfamiliar with this system leads me to believe that a gear may be stripped in the actual speedo. Any ideas or suggestions?

Thanks in advance,
SPATULA

[Domi]

Welcome to the forum ;)
Maybe a defective angle drive?

[vps3922]

Greetings DMC community.

I have recently become the proud owner of 1242 through Toby at DMC NW - shockingly helpful for a car dealer, I'll be going back.

More to the point, she is a fine specimen but she does need some work.

There are only minor issues with the vehicle, but the most frustrating (tied with the bad fuel sender) is a malfunctioning speedometer. According to the repair paperwork (and a little bit of sleuthing), all of the components of the speedometer drive have been replaced with the updated components - lower cable, adaptor, angle drive and dust shield. Despite these parts being replaced, the speedometer is, for the most part, very inaccurate. It will infrequently fluctuate up or down approximately 4-5 MPH while driving under 55 MPH. Over 55 MPH, however, it consistently jumps around like an overly caffeinated toddler on an industrial sized trampoline.

My suspicion lies with the dust shield, however, these parts being professionally installed by a highly reputable mechanic, I doubt this is the issue. However, my being largely unfamiliar with this system leads me to believe that a gear may be stripped in the actual speedo. Any ideas or suggestions?

Thanks in advance,
SPATULA

Just a little bit off topic: You mentioned that you got it from Toby (DMC NW). Where are you located?

[DMCMW Dave]

Greetings DMC community.

My suspicion lies with the dust shield, however, these parts being professionally installed by a highly reputable mechanic, I doubt this is the issue. However, my being largely unfamiliar with this system leads me to believe that a gear may be stripped in the actual speedo. Any ideas or suggestions?

Thanks in advance,
SPATULA

Have him take the plastic drive cap off the hub and wrap a piece of black electrical tape around it. It's slipping in the hub.

Also, if the effort to put the cap on is obviously pressing on the drive cable, trim the cable.

[Michael]

Loosen both connectors on the Lambda unit counter and tighten to finger tight only, then replace your dust cap.

[LoveThySpatula]

Welcome to the forum ;)
Maybe a defective angle drive?

Glad to be here, thanks much.

It is possible, it seems like a defective angle drive would likely make it fail all the time though, right?


Just a little bit off topic: You mentioned that you got it from Toby (DMC NW). Where are you located?

I'm out in Bothell. I probably should have mentioned that is was one of his consignment cars.


Have him take the plastic drive cap off the hub and wrap a piece of black electrical tape around it. It's slipping in the hub.

Also, if the effort to put the cap on is obviously pressing on the drive cable, trim the cable.

I'll check on this, thanks very much.

[Kenny_Z]

Glad to be here, thanks much.

It is possible, it seems like a defective angle drive would likely make it fail all the time though, right?


Nope. I had one that had some gear teeth broken. It would either skip around or bind up depending on where the bits of teeth were in relation to the gap at any given time.

[LoveThySpatula]

Nope. I had one that had some gear teeth broken. It would either skip around or bind up depending on where the bits of teeth were in relation to the gap at any given time.

I'll check out the angle drive and cap, thanks for the advice guys.

[NightFlyer]

FYI - once everything in the speedo chain is operating as it should, the gauge readings should be very accurate. Mine is dead on with GPS up to the max line (85 mph).

[David T]

Failure of the speedometer is so common we have a chart for engine revs vs road speed by gear. You should get one, laminate it and keep it in the binnacle. As bad as the speedometer can be they can be made to work and work reliably and accurately. Start with the dustcap. It may be the hole is rounded out, it should be square. If it is get a new cap and lubricate the angle drive.

[LoveThySpatula]

Sorry about a late response guys but thanks to all of you for your input.

After much removing and replacing the same new components multiple times, I'm going to have to call this one either a speedometer or the aliens that can read my mind when I'm not wearing my tinfoil hat.

Maybe DMC NW will be able to figure this one out.

Thanks again for all your tips guys.