85 Speedo Pegged

[Wadada]

Hi Gang,

Just joined, first post. I've owned several Tercel wagons over the years, mostly 5spd 4WD models. Haven't had one in 10+ years though, and my dad just loaned me his 85 for the Winter, and I thought I'd tackle some of the issues.

First up is finding a leak that soaks the driver's feet in the rain, but then I want to do something about the speedometer. It seems to stay pegged the entire time the car is running (that is, the needle all the way to the right). Any ideas?

Thanks!
-tyler

[dlb]

welcome, wadada.

most common source of pools in the front foot wells is a leaky windshield. get the car good and dry, remove the trim and pull back the carpet from the driver foot well, and leave a hose running lightly on the driver side of the windshield. you might have to reposition the hose or the car a few times so that the water hits the hole at the right angle.

does the odometer measure your miles correctly? i'm thinking that if the odometer is measuring accurately but the speedo is bonkers, i would say the speedo is broken and just swap the whole cluster out. but if the odometer is racking up miles as if you're really driving 140 mph all the time, i would think the problem is in the speedo cable or trans.

[Wadada]

Thanks, Dlb. I'll check on those things.

[Petros]

welcome to the forum!

was the windshield ever replaced? If so they often guarantee it against leaks, take it there. the best way to find a leak is to roll up all windows and close the doors (I would also tape over the out flow fents on the sides under the back hatch). Turn on the heater fan on full drawing from outside air, than take some soapy water and spray it around the windshield seal. look for bubbles. it helps to remove the metal trim around the windshield.

other places to check are inside the door there are drains that could be plugged. moisture that leaks past the window accumulates in the door and it can leak out into the foot well instead of draining out the bottom of door. You can also remove the grill at the front of the windshield and inspect where the wiper drives comes thorugh the firewall area, also check the fire wall for bad grommets and seals.

[Wadada]

Thanks for all the ideas! I'll report back.

[Petros]

I have never taken a speedo apart to see if it can be fixed, it is easy enough to remove the instrument cluster and take a look at the back however. there is a metal disk with a magnet very close to it with one side connected to the speedo cable, when the cable turns the magnet resistance lifts the needed. If they get corrosion or the shaft wears out the disk and magnet make contact and it pegs the needle. I suspect the only solution is to replace it. These units are fairly reliable, so a wrecking yard that might have a used one is a good bet.