Hey guys,

Does anyone have any tips to getting to the gearbox end of the speedo cable? I can reach through the top and navigate to it by fingertip, but i just can't get the sufficient leverage to unscrew it. And when going to it from below i have various components in the way which don't even allow me to navigate my hand into place.

Mate you may have to dig a tunnel from underneath, or remove a few items to gain access.

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When I did it recently I had to remove the breather and the lower radiator hose but I did have the sense last time I changed it to not tighten it too much so I was able to undo it by hand this time.Otherwise it would have be the exhaust manifold coming off.I'm not keen on the idea of trying to undo it from under the car.

Number 1 tip , only do it when the car's dead cold as there are a lot of hot things there that will bite you . I've done them from above and below before , not a big problem but you need to relax and take your time squirming your hand down there .

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Yeah, under the car seemed alot more difficult than just sticking my skinny arm through the engine bay to get to it. I actually did it up by hand a couple of weeks ago when i was trying to find out my speedo problems, but i'm sure i didn't do it up this damn tight.

Maybe it's just because now it's a little greasy and i'm having trouble getting a grip :/

Yep, that's a sod of a job unless you have spindly girly arms. Even then it's not easy.

If you can, wiggle the cable around while you turn the nut, you've probably got a bit of grit on the thread which is catching..

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Simon

The adventures of an owner builder in the Tallarook Ranges

Job done!

I ended up tearing a small square of cloth, sticking my arm through and attempting to turn the thread with the cloth. Got it off, swapped the cables over and took it for a spin.

Good news is my speedo works again. Bad news is that it still reports the incorrect speed (though atleast it works now). I guess my next task is to source another speedo and see how that goes.

Now i'm off to do my first oil change. This should be interesting.

For the cost of acquiring another speedo, you should be able to get it calibrated by a specialist. Then you know it's accurate for good and you won't have to take your chances with another dodgy unit.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

I wouldn't mind getting mine recalibrated, now the car has a 3.44 diff it reads way off.

Know anyone in the area Mick?

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Simon

The adventures of an owner builder in the Tallarook Ranges

A very long flat head screw driver coming in from the passenger side wheel arch/subframe is the easiest way to get it off

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Starlet Conversion:
http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=15484

Well, i completed the oil change without any hassles. Got a new oil filter in there and topped her up with some Penrite HPR30. Took her for a spin and she feels and sounds lovely.

Happy days!

Be wary of the latest HPR30, it is now SM rated and full of friction modifiers, not so good for a Mini gearbox.

If your speedo is out then you would be best to look at getting it calibrated. Cooper S speedos aren't terribly common on the second hand market!

Ah well, it's too late now as i've already done the oil change. I'll look into a different oil next time around.

As for the speedo, do you know any places here in Canberra that can calibrate it?

Premier Instruments opp the Tradies in Dickson

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"Show me the Mini!"