Guido the Fiat

[Gordan]

Ok, guys i need some help...

i took my instrument pannel out yesterday, replaced the bulbs, and now my speedometer isnt working?!! ive tried to reconnect the cable a dozen times, but nothing, it starts moving sometimes and then just drops? the cable from the box is spinning, and the mileage counter is working, but no speed readouts?? i thought it would be a simple re-connect procedure, but apperently there is a catch?? please help!!  :shock:

Gordan...  :wink:

[GTMaster]

Are you sure the cable really is connected to where it's supposed to be, i.e. you might've just connected the outer part of the cable, but the inside of it might've slipped in.
If the odometer is working, then it could just be the speedo needle playing up.
Also is the cable free, so no twists or sharp bends.
Does the  cable spin freely?

[Gordan]

Thanx for your reply.
Ive been playing with it for a few hours and the only idea i got is that i pulled the cable out of the gearbox? the cable is spinning freely, the speedo works (put a screwdriver in it and spun it, works ok...) and i connected it fine... so ill see tommora what it looks like under the car and let you know...

cheers  :wink:

[Gordan]

Ive managed to solve this problem. I really did pull the cable out of the box, so all that was needed to fix it was to get into a puddle of water, in pouring rain, and re-attach it... no sacrifice is too great...  

on the other hand i replaced the bulbs in the instrument panel with new stronger ones, so now it shines like crazy... didn't know that bulbs could fade over time?

[GTMaster]

That's good news. Usually if something works, then comes to an abrupt halt then it's nothing major. If something plays up over time and then goes dead then you know you're in trouble

[Gordan]

Yeah, i know what you mean... my g.box is acting funny, and i think its just a matter of time....  :shock:

[GTMaster]

A lot of whining coming in 4th gear...., or crunching when changing into second

[Gordan]

no actually, the reverse is acting up, when i move slowly backwards and in reverese (clutch down or not) the rear wheels block?? so i put into reverse, get some rear speed and then get it out of gear and manuver with the speed i got... strange no? luckily, i got another box, so just waiting for the weather to clear....  

[phreak97]

replace it now, this happened to me too, a few times reversing out of my driveway the wheels locked and just about broke my neck.
swap it now and save yourself a housing. when your box finally fails itll either stick a shaft out the front like mine did or crack the side/bottom open (if the crown wheel bolts are coming out like mine did at a different time).

when the wheels lock, it's actually the box, not the wheels, and the gears running first/reverse are on a shaft which seems to be held in by friction, the car's momentum (along with the gear teeth being cut at an angle) is enough to throw it through the front casing if it's locking in the right place.

[Gordan]

Yeah, i will, just waiting the weather to clear.... damn rain...  :evil:

[Gordan]

Had my baby MOTd yesterday, she flew thru the exam, all the mechanics gathered round my car and stared, i was quite embarrassed.    

The good thing is i have a whole nother year of fun with this little buzzard
Plans are: Alloys, xenon kit, clear glass front and back lights, new interriour (carpets, seat covers, everything) protecting the underside of the car and the ever lasting struggle to keep it in driving condition...    

[bis13]

good on you !!! keep your car in good order and it will always pass.

[Gordan]

Thanx mick, i see yours is on the road too, how about some pics, i dont think ive seen your black menace

Well there was a tiny wee problem on the exam, the eco test wasnt perfect, but who cares about the environment right...  

I still need to get my carb sorted, which will be done in a a month or so...

[Gordan]

Well my second g.box gave in yesterday, so the engine is out again, will be replacing the box, putting the old diff with drive shafts (still perfect condition  ) and replacing the oil. then putting it all back together. it has been raining all day today, so ive cleaned the engine with something called "Supermafrasol", some sort of chemical and the engine looks as good as new. will take pics once all the pieces are back on. oh and ive cleaned the oil filter, just becouse i could... 

p.s. upon removing the carb cap i found that the carb is FULL of oil. it was not so the last time i checked, and its got me thinking. I think all the oil is coming from the sump air outlet thingy, as the air filter is oil - dirty too. once the engine is back in, ill just divert the pipe downwards to the ground, im not a member of greenpeace, so its not bothering me one bit 

[Pete126]

Hi Gordan check the filler cap