Is it possible / difficult to change the odo reading ? I can get a 1990 LT ODO to replace my faulty 1984 Odo. I would prefer to change the reading to the same as the original odo reading so I will have to advance it by 70,000km. Is it worth doing this, or could it easily damage the odo as it is in almost new condition for $120.00

It didn't work in Ferris Bueller.... and we don't have a reverse gear either!

It can be done, I have not had to go into that but there was a thread here about replacing the plastic gears, I cant find it. It should give you some hints on how to do it if you can find it.
Searching is not a strong point I have trouble finding the spanners I want.

Once the speedo cluster in out, in your hands, and reduced to the simple bare essentials, it is easy to adjust the geared wheels which show the numbers in order to alter the reading of the odometre....I have attemped it and was successful. But it is considered illegal and unethical in almost every country in the world.

I overcame the latter issue by moving my numbers up closer to what the machine actually had for kilometres on it at the time. To wit, I raised my odometre reading instead of reducing it.

A picture (usually) make this and that easier to understand.

Inge K, thanks for the picture I am on the right track but am not sure how the needle comes off I dont want to force it . Does it just pull off ?

I agree with Guest In The House that it is unethical and illegal to lower a odo reading that is why I want to increase the reading on the new odo by 70,000km so that the correct reading shows . I would not like anyone to to look at my bike and wonder why the kilos are so low.

Thanks to all for the advice and help, the FORUM IS GREAT

The needles do just pull off. I usually get a finger either side and sort of lever with the tip of my fingers. Make sure you know just where the needle sits as there is no stop to line it up.

to mark the needle position put a bit of painters tape underneath on the dial surface and mark with a pen. If you don't leave it too long you should be OK.

i think that odo readings are covered in a registration statement when first or renewing registration in our state ,,,that being "that the odometer reading is true reflection of the distance covered by said vehicle " to which everybody says, yes , as far as i know

poor old toyota is 465,900 killometers, its not got a hope in hell of anybody ever concidering it as a viable purchase ...giggle

Lazyboy wrote:but am not sure how the needle comes off I dont want to force it . Does it just pull off ?

Use two teaspoons, one on each side of the needle shaft and the rounded rear against the dial surface.

nice tip inge !!!

Inge K. wrote:

Lazyboy wrote:but am not sure how the needle comes off I dont want to force it . Does it just pull off ?

Use two teaspoons, one on each side of the needle shaft and the rounded rear against the dial surface.

Oh! you don't need a crow bar?
Good tip about the teaspoons, but as the K deserves only the best, do they have to be silver spoons?

On a serious note....
If you put painter tape on the dial to mark the needle position, you may as well put some where the back of the spoons will be touching the dial.

As the instrument cluster will be apart, it would be a good time to calibrate it with the Karamba software. Check the How to forum to find the tutorial written by Robmack.

Other point...
My instrument cluster was always fogging and I was considering installing fans as described by Sidecar Paul in this article. Before starting the mod, I tried to apply K-BIKE solution to seal the odo wind back knob. I didn't have the Tef Gel but used a generous coating of dialectric grease on the internal of the knob mechanism (This grease is thick, sticky and water resistant). Result: No more fog for the last few months.
Better to prevent a problem than fixing it.

CF

Good tip!

And I would use a fork instead of two spoons. slide the fork under the needle around the shaft and just lift it slowly, you don't need a lot of force.

Hi lazyboy,
Today I have been repairing a Smiths chronometric speedo for a friend, so while I was in 'speedo mode' I dismantled my spare K clock to see if your question could be answered.

Well, yes it can be done, but as we are proud of our mileages and you want to do the right thing, I'll pm you with the details.

It wouldn't do to explain how to alter the odometer on the forum in case some unscrupulous soul decided to knock back the miles before a sale.

Paul.

"It wouldn't do to explain how to alter the odometer on the forum in case some unscrupulous soul decided to knock back the miles before a sale."

Good call!

Thanks Paul and all the rest for the advice on my odo. As soon as I have done the job I will let you all know how it went and post some photos.