Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Speedo drive replacement....

Had problems with my speedo drive since I bought her. AW replaced the angle drive unit under warranty, but I lost the speedo again last week, and I've removed the cable and that's working OK, and removed the angle drive and that also seems to be working.

Everything points to a broken speedo drive.

Two things - could someone let me know which gearbox I have? It's a four speed, mated to a Ford X-flow 1600 of 1972 vintage.

Secondly - once I get hold of a new one, how easy is it to replace the drive? Gearbox out? or is it possible through the speedo drive hole?

Thank you!

You’ll have the Ford 2000E type box with the larger Speedo drive as fitted to Triumph TR, MGB and Healeys , about £60 on FleaBay etc.
Don’t be confused by the similar looking looking cheaper but smaller Spitfire/Stag one, it won’t fit. You’ll probably have to take the gearbox cover off to fit but may be accessible from underneath with a ramp (?). Burton to an ‘improved ‘ version but at £117.00 (!)

Thank you!

Do you know the method for removal?

Edit: I've seen the expensive one on Burton - that's the angle drive, and I've got a new one of those. I need to remove the speedo drive gear inside the gearbox. I 'think' it can be removed from the side of the gearbox - just wondering how easy it is to do.

Does this look right?

Speedo Drive removal

An update, just in case anyone has the same issue in the future.

Although the angle drive appeared to be working OK, as soon as you attached the sppedo cable and put tiny bit of load it stopped working. I imagine the gears inside had stripped. It was a sealed unit so couldn't check properly, and had been fitted without the special 'copper washer' which is needed to prevent failure.

Ordered a replacement TR/MG/Healy one, but unfortunately the quill is too big to fit in the gearbox drive. Took the drive to pieces, removed the quill gear and carefully ground it down (about 0.5mm on each face) until it fitted (I have a spare gearbox drive gear so was easy to do in the shed).

Fitted, and now have a working speedo again

Will contact the supplier to see if they do a drive with a smaller quill and keep as a spare, in case my modification has caused a weakness.

Out of interest, contacted Speedograph Richfield on 30/3/19 about a replacement speedo drive.

After three phone calls and five emails, they promised delivery late last week or early this week. Nothing has arrived, my card hasn't been charged, and I've heard nothing from them for 7 days. Got it next day delivery from ebay in the end

Also sent emails to Burton Power, and Speedycables last week, and to date, still waiting for a response.

Who said good service was dead?

A further update!

Out of the blue, a parcel arrived containing the Speedograph Angle drive. It is a very well made, and fabulous bit of kit.

Unfortunately it doesn't fit. The output for the speedo cable is 180 degrees out. So that's been sent back.

I have also just received a reply to my email from Burton Power

So.....

The 'modified' quill lasted about 350 miles before snapping...

In true 'garden shed engineering' fashion, I found that a bike speedo cable is the correct size.

Cut a chunk off. dismantled the drive, drilled out the old quill and welded in the new one. Let's see how long this one lasts....

The weld broke. Don't think I got enough weld penetration.

Made another quill. This time I made a collar on the lathe, and then 'epoxied' it all together. Lasted about 150 miles.

So, still looking for a new angle drive! The TR/Healey ones mentioned above don't fit as the quill is too big for the speedo drive. None of the Morgan suppliers list them, or a part number. Burton Power have a 4 to 5 week waiting list.

Speedograph Richfield list one for a Morgan 4/4 series 4 and 5, but not for the 1600. Don't know if it will fit?

Have emailed Melvyn Rutter, to see if they can at least give me a part number or similar. Waiting for a response.

Am surprised (frustrated) that it's been quite so difficult!

TBM,
If the bit you are after is the right angle drive and it is the same as a Ford 3 rail box then look at lotus dealers, it will be the same as an Elan or +2. Paul Matty has them listed, not cheap at £74 +p/p +vat .
Here https://paulmattysportscars.co.uk/product/speedo-right-angle-drive-4-speed/

I have one in pieces that we could come to a deal on or you could borrow my spare but it MUST be replaced or returned some time. PM me for more dtails.

Edit, If the one I have suggested is the correct item then there are plenty on the bay for less money. Could you post a pic of the item you require.
Cheers
John

Thank you John, and thank you for the very kind offer of a loaner - I'll decline, last time I borrowed a part off a mate, I accidentally broke it!

The lotus one you've linked certainly looks correct (and I've read that the Elan drive does match the Morgan one) . The last one I bought from ebay had a slightly larger size quill, which was too big to fit into the gearbox drive. I contacted the company and asked if they had one with a smaller quill, but they said that the speedo cable attachment was different.

I think I'll take the plunge and go for the Lotus style one you've linked to. I found one that's a tenner cheaper from SJ Lotus- and £40 cheaper than the Burton Power and Speedograph options!