In the process of replacing the speedo cable with engine in the car, and driveshafts in.
At the gearbox end, does anyone have any tips for how to get the bolt started in the thread and tightened up?
I've got pot joints and there just doesn't seem to be enough room to get a normal sized spanner or my stubby spanner onto it and enough leverage to turn it. I've tried from underneath, and through the side where the driveshaft goes through. Also tried a variety of sockets and extensions over the top of the pot joint from underneath.

Anyone solved this problem before?
KB

I've done it years ago from underneath, on a hoist, but last time I did it I pulled the radiator out and did it from top.
If cable nut and thread are in good nick, you can do it up with fingers.
if not...
A small pair of multigrips is useful.

_________________
DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

speedo cable dosen't have a nut. It is a screw on fitting usually hand tight. I have done mine dozens of times and it doesn't get any easier. Best to gett the car up off the ground as high as possible. makes sure it is clear of grease and wear a glove or have a rag in hand. It takes some time but you can get the thread started to move and then patience will get it off. or take it to the local servo and get them to do it up on a hoist.

Cheers

Aaron

_________________

Ummm it's still a nut Aaron, just happens to have knurling outside instead of a hex shape...

_________________
DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Ok then, if you say so.[/b]

_________________

The cable nut is Ok, I've tightened that. this is the 7/16th bolt (setscrew?) that holds the horseshoe shaped lockdown thingy tight. As aaron said, it is difficult to get started and tighten. I've got it up on the ramps so access is as good as a hoist pretty much.

Might have to leave it til it's time to do the rockers then and take the radiator out, but that seems a pity.
KB

I would take the cable off, tighten that bolt from above, then screw the cable (nut) back on.

_________________
DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Easiest way - of course - is with the engine out BUT assuming the engine is IN, then as the good Doc says, get the car up in the air, try this method - remove the front left wheel, split that top ball joint, pull the drive shaft out of the pot, and you can the tie the drive shaft up and out of the way while you get your hand in to work on that speedo cable. Give it a go.

Bit tricky if you dont want to split a ball joint though

_________________
Rod
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v607/Rodney/

Boys you all do it the hard way.

Turn the wheel all the way to the right so you can see the nut get a long flat head screw driver place it through the rectangle cut outs on the inner guard and give it a gentle tap on the lower side to loosen it which will then allow you with ease to take it off using the end of the screw driver and next to zero force.

Then to replace it put the new cable down and using the end of the screw driver position it then gently pushing on the upper edge you'll be able to tighten it and Bobs your Auntie, with practice on and off in under 5 miniutes.

Many cars lots of practice

steve

i do it by jacking the car up hand over the pot joint and try undoing it with your fingers. if you cant undo it with your fingers undo the 7/16 bolt (small super cheap spanner works for me) and pull the lot out

puting it back in i get the speedo cable thread started on that bit befor i put it in then do up the bolt the do up the speedo cable as tight as u can with your fingers ( i use my right hand over the driveshaft to do this but maybe i have small hands) and then do up the speedo end and your done

this method works very easily a can be done very quik as ive had to do it 3 time in the last 3 weeks grrr

_________________
1152cc turbo A-series now with 125.7hp at the wheels !

AUSSIE Turbo mini forum >> http://boostmini.justboard.net/

https://www.facebook.com/boostmini

I did manage to get it done last night using Benjamins method to T.
Previously I had already attached the speedo cable to the carrier and was trying to get the 7/16th screw started and done up which was my downfall.

Once I abandoned that method and attached the carrier first, attaching the cable was relatively easy. Don't know if it works yet, will road-test tonight.

thanks for your help guys.
KB