Speedo problem

I have not fully investigated this yet but thought I would ask advice anyway. My original '89 110 analogue speedo has difficulty "starting". At the very start of a journey it does not read and you can hear a clicking (like a relay flickering) which I am assuming is the cable slipping. Then after you have driven a little bit (between 10-100m) it will then start and read with no problems for the rest of the journey. It tends to do it when it has been standing for a while, so first thing in the morning, or end of the day form work, but not every time, and is normally fine if you only have a short break between using the vehicle.
I have checked that the speedo cable is fully clipped into place but have not had a chance to investigate any further yet. Does anyone have any ideas?

Also looking to the future, if it does turn out to be a problem with the speedo rather than the cable can you get them repaired? It is the original speedo with nearly 300k on it and I don't want to replace it if at all possible.

If it's wear in the back of the speedo (where the cable connects) you might try a little bit of insulation tape on the end of the cable to make it a better fit. Worth a try and costs nothing.

I'd also be inclined to check that the gearbox end is secure, or failing that, fit a new cable.

Oldseadog said:

I'd also be inclined to check that the gearbox end is secure, or failing that, fit a new cable.

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I will check that but the clicking sound can be heard from the dash so i am thinking the problem will be that end. I need to disconnect the cable and make sure the drive hole is still square and the cable is going all the way home, have just not got around to this yet.

IIRC, the drive hole is just nylon - they do wear. I'm getting the clicking too, but the speedo is still mostly working.

zeaphod said:

IIRC, the drive hole is just nylon - they do wear. I'm getting the clicking too, but the speedo is still mostly working.

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That sounds to be the saem as mine, most of the time and once "started" it works with no problem. Can the part with the drive hole be replaced?