schuyler grace wrote:
>
> Hi, all!
>
> I've been trying to find a speedo drive pinion gear -- the final drive
> gear that turns the speedo cable at the OD unit -- for a couple of
> years, now, to no avail. So, I'll give this a go the other way
> around...
>
> Can anyone on the list describe the gear that "should" be in a Spitfire
> J-Type overdrive? The one that's in mine is an 18-tooth, amber colored,
> plastic gear, but I can't seem to find a replacement that little bugger
> anywhere. Alternately, does anyone know of *any* available gear that
> will fit my OD and turn the speedo cable? I'm not too concerned whether
> the speedo reading is correct -- I'd settle for just having the little
> pointy thing go round and round without me having to twist the cable by
> hand (it's already difficult enough to manage to shift, steer, brake,
> accelerate, and make "vroom, vroom" noises, without having to worry
> about my sleeve getting wrapped up in the prop shaft u-joint).
>
> And now, for something completely different...
>
> About a week ago, Malibu Barbie's Dream Car swallowed the guts of her
> fuel pump, and I'm pretty sure the plastic fulcrum that was under the
> pump's drive arm has taken up residence in the oil pan (at least, I hope
> that's where it ended up). Can the oil pan be pulled with the engine --
> an '80 1493cc -- in place? I've been poking around, and it looks like a
> couple of the bolts are barely accessible, at best. I seem to remember
> someone recently recounting the trials and tribulations of removing
> theirs, but I don't recall the outcome.
>
Schuyler (pronounced Skyler) Yes, I visited your web site! The pan can
indeed be dropped on your 1500 with the engine in the car. I did a ring
job on mine that way.
The trick is to move the crank so that all pistons are half way up in
their travel. That way, the rod journals are out of the way and do not
interfere with the removal of the pan. All the bolts are accessible
with the aid of a "wobble socket" or Universal joint. If it is tight,
you can resort to removing the two engine mount bolts and jack the
engine up a few inches.
Enjoy!!!
I am going to consult with a friend on your speedo drive gear. It
appears that all the usual sources don't stock that part. But then you
know that, otherwise why would you ask. I'll get back to you as soon as
I find out something.
Regards,
Joe Curry '63 Spit. (with a 1500 engine and fresh rings)
|