broken odometer

[muggins]

Odometer (kilometre meter, in case it
doesn't translate well) on my 360 is broken, but the speedo still works. I found a site from the
US telling how to fix this problem on a 240 , but am unsure whether to speedo is the same on
the 360. And I am not keen to pull my dash apart to discover I can't fix the problem, as the
car is my daily driver.
Has anyone dealt with this problem before - is it an easy fix (I think it is probably a broken gear
in the speedo assembly) or would it be better to try and replace the whole speedo?
Benefits to the problem are that I am not clocking up any mileage at present , but it makes
my fuel economy look awful - I use a whole tank and record no kilometres!!

[360GL]

I had exactly the same problem on my '87 360. It was
caused by a small gear which which slid to the side on its axle and it got displaced. I just had
to push it back in place (after I got the instrument panel apart of course).
This is the process (from Haynes manual with some steps added), but I take no responsibility
for your actions
1. Disconnect the battery negative lead
2. Remove the covers under the steering wheel and reach behind the instrument panel and
disconnect the speedometer cable (a bayonete type connector which is twisted to release it,
but be careful, you can easily break it)
3. Remove the 2 screws from the top edge of the instrument panel
4. Tilt the panel forward from the top edge sufficiently to disconnect the multi-plugs, taking
note of their location
5. Withdraw the instrument panel from the car.
6. Separate the white part of the instrument panel from the black frame, you will see the
screws
7. remove the needle holding pin at 0 km/h by pulling it out.
8. Mark the position of the needle, then remove the needle by gently pulling it out
9. Remove the front black speedometer plate, held by 2 small screws
10. Remove the speedometer instrument, held by 4 hexagonal screws on the back (around
the speedometer cable connector)
11. You will see the black gear on the top left side (seen from the front). If it's displaced, push
it back to the right.
12. Refitting is a reversal of removal, make sure you fit the needle in the same position as it
was. While you have it apart, you can also replace any blown bulbs.
If that was the problem, you should now be good for another 200 000 km.

[muggins]

Thanks for that. I have had the instrument panel out before
chasing an intermittant fault in the dash lights (loose multiplug connector). I'll look and see if it
is just the mis-located gear (when I find some time!)
And BTW, you are right about the speedo cable bayonet connector breaking easily Are
you speaking from experience too?

[360GL]

And BTW, you are right
about the speedo cable bayonet connector breaking easily Are you speaking from
experience too?

Yes

[muggins]

finally had a chance to follow 360 gl's instructions, and what
do you know - it worked! The whole shaft carrying the numbers had slipped out of one side,
and the black drive gear no longer meshed on the worm screw which turned them. Lined it up,
pushed it back in and bingo! Now I know what my fuel economy is again!

[360GL]

I'm very glad you fixed your problem.
But unfortunately I must inform you that my odometer quit working again only after about 1000
km after the fix.
But right now that's the least of my problems, yesterday I discovered a large rust hole on the
underside, part of the frame is gone due to rust. The protective paint was still there so I could
not see it earlier. I'm not sure it is fixable. So I might have to send it to the scrap yard sooner
as I planned. Which is a real shame because the car is otherwise in excellent condition
despite the 250.000 km on the clock and I really started to love it.
These cars rock.

[mgarageu]

is welding repair job not permitted in your country?
have done several times on my 83 360 gls, and will do it again, if necessary!

[360GL]

Of course I would love to repair it even if it costs more than
the car is worth (well, it will almost certainly cost more). But the damage might be beyond
repair, because structural integrity of the car could be damaged. Tomorrow I will show it to a
professional to get an opinion. I will post some pics in the thread "RUST" and we can further
discuss it there so we won't hijack this thread.
Please, don't shoot me! I do love the car.

[Duvel78]

So I might have to send it to
the scrap yard sooner as I planned.

Oh no! That's a bad news, don't do that!
Where is the hole? It's always possible to repair that... Good idea to send pictures in the right
topic

[muggins]

"But unfortunately I must inform you that my odometer quit
working again only after about 1000 km after the fix."
You did well - mine lasted exactly 44.6 kms!! I might try again and see if I can find why it slips.