Tach cable replacement 70 1600

[Chopper pilot]

Hey there,

I have spent an hour or two trying to see if there is a "easier" way to re-attach the tach-cable to the back of the tach? I got it out ok but having a devil of a time getting it lined up and the collar started. I dropped the column a bit but still not quite there.

Any tips or tricks? My car is a 1970 1600.

Thank you

Phil

[Gregs672000]

Collar... you're not referring to the cable end are You? Just in case, the end that fits into the tach gauge is square, the key end goes to the engine (in case you just had the cable and not the housing, or the cable slipped out... I've recently done my speedo). Otherwise, it should just screw on, can be fidgety to get flat against the back so it will start.

[Chopper pilot]

Thanks, Greg,

I have the right end going in. I meant I have been trying to get the collar started and threaded onto the back of the tach. It just kicked my butt, so I thought I'd see if there was a better way.

[MattC]

Small hands

[david premo]

If I remember correctly, the replacement cables have a long collar that is causing the problem of an impossible installation. What I did a long time ago was to carefully cut off the extended sleeve on the cable so it was more flexible and the correct alignment could be achieved to install and tighten it up.
Dave

[Gregs672000]

Ugh... I'm afraid my experience is with a flat dash car...

[MattC]

Dropping the column “fully” isn’t terrible. If you leave the bolts in the firewall it will only sag a couple inches. Might give you enough room to get at the tach.

[Chopper pilot]

Ok, thanks for the advice, everyone. After a good night's sleep, I went back in, and it has been reattached and is working fine. Reattaching the steering column with the 2 little nut plates.....Grrrr.

I did a quick look with a timing gun and saw the timing was at least 20 deg retarded and fiddled with the carbs and went for a nice 10-15 mile drive last night. It still needs a full tune, but we are headed in the right direction. I'll now address the oil leak that persists in the oil filter and distributor area's general area.

[dynaguy]

Great to see you making progress Phil! We will have to blast up the Spiral Highway soon! Pat

[Gregs672000]

Ok, thanks for the advice, everyone. After a good night's sleep, I went back in, and it has been reattached and is working fine. Reattaching the steering column with the 2 little nut plates.....Grrrr.

I did a quick look with a timing gun and saw the timing was at least 20 deg retarded and fiddled with the carbs and went for a nice 10-15 mile drive last night. It still needs a full tune, but we are headed in the right direction. I'll now address the oil leak that persists in the oil filter and distributor area's general area.

Your '66 and the '70 have different timing curves if they still have their stock distributors... smog vs none smog. Be careful! '66 set to 17, '70 to ZERO.

[Chopper pilot]

Thanks Greg. I think I have it pretty close to that. I'll check tonight.

Phil