re. How difficult to fix 4kq speedo?

[Swann, Benjamin R. (BSWANN)]

[Listers,
Having no experience with the 4kq (other than driving one), how
difficult is it to fix the odometer/speedometer in a 4kq? Is it
the same plastic gear issue as the 5k? Can the parts be obtained
new or does one have to scrounge for a replacement at the junkyard?

What about stuff like the blower motor and the heater core? Are they
difficult to replace on the 4k?

Thanks.

Taka]

Taka,

No, it is a different problem, and not quite as straightforward to fix.

The problem is with the shaft that carries the speedo number wheels and is
driven by a worm gear.  That shaft tends to pull out of the mounting hole on
one side.  Since there is nothing to hold it in place, and the direction the
worm gear turns, this is the most common failure.

The problem usually reveals itself when the oxy sensor service mechanism
comes around full circle ready to trigger the light and imposes additional
pressure on the mechanism that the shaft pops out.  Removing the trigger
mechanism will help keep the problem from happening again, once fixed.

The best but time consuming fix is to carefully remove the shaft and machine
a ridge for a circlip in the end that comes out.  The gear wheels can be
held in place with a drillbit.

Some how or another, something needs to be done to positively hold the shaft
in place.  Just putting it back in place will have you pulling the cluster
right back out again in a few miles.

Ben