Howdy folks! Just picked up a new to me 1965 Jaguar Mark X 4.2 92000 miles! Photos attached. I'm surveying, cleaning, and testing. I'm not familiar with the mechanical speedometers, or cars of this vintage. Is a wandering speedometer due to a part failure or an indication of a need for adjustment?

 

A wandering speedo is normally due to lack of lubrication of the rotating cable that drives the speedometer. The car you've just bought looks absolutely immaculate so probably hasnt been used a great deal in recent times. So, time now to lube the cable. I don't think grease is used, more like engine oil and you mustn't get it too near the speedo. How to do the lube ? Take the whole cable drive off the back of the speedo, pull out the inner cable, and lube the whole length apart from about 8" near the speedo itself. The inner is like a very finely wound spring actually.

 

Hi DR3am,
Welcome to another Michigander!

I would use something like graphite dry lubricant available at O'Reily or Autozone.

The E-type manual I have at my finger tips recommends Esse T.S.D. 119 or equivalent grease and doesn't recommend oil. I did a quick search for "Esse T.S.D. 119" and came up empty.

Hope this helps.

 

The speedometer can also waiver if the inner shaft of the flexible cable is not engaged fully. Make sure the end projects about 3/8".

Phil E.
1966 MK X
2002 XK8

 

This is the type of lubricant that we used back when I was in "the business"; it is specifically formulated for lubricating cables and especially speedo cables:

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/b...eot/403?pos=23

 

Thanks for the warm welcome and the tips! Overall car is looking pretty solid as I tear through it but I haven't got to the speedometer yet. Every gasket is leaking (its normal for a British car right? LOL), so I'm going to go ahead and just change all the gaskets out before a failure gets to the cylinders. Good news is....aftermarket rear HVAC. Newer looking AC compressor, starter.