GS speedometers and tach repair?

[thcash]

I have a 1981 GS1000GL that is in need of new guages. They both are sticky, sluggish, and not performing well at all. I tried the old trick of shooting WD-40 in the back of them, but it's not helping at all. Does anyone know of someone who rebuilds them, or can point me in some direction to get new ones. I check with ebay periodically, but all that seems to be on line are old ones from trashed machines. I've owned this bike since purchasing it new in '82. I just spent a year doing a complete restoration, reground the transmission gears, all new bearings and seals, Wiseco 1085 pistons, polished, media-blasted and painted everything, and Accel coils and wires. It runs better than new, but I just can't tell how fast I'm going, or the engine RPM's. Can anyone help?

A bit frustrated...

Tim

[Redman]

http://www.thegsresources.com/garage/gs_inside_gauges.htm

Can try this if you want.

[Redman]

Welcome to GSR.

Other possibility would be to PM me your email address. I can send pics of a gauge set I have from an 1980 GS850G. I got them as a spare set when I went nuts on ebay and bought a bunch of spare parts. Have since sold the 850.

[cberkeley]

I was able to carefully cut open and repair my speedo problems, then mend the cut back as good as new. But, it's not a procedure for the faint of heart.
If I ever have speedo or tach problems again, I will certainly opt for a "Glass Cockpit" mod from Electrosport, they have some nice electronic instruments at afforrdable prices. http://www.electrosport.com/electros...edometers.html

[SabreJim]

also had slugish gages

I pried the lip all the way around on mine and was able to get the cover off the gauges but it was not easy. Then I cleaned off the goop that built up on the metal ring inside that makes the gauge dial move. Be careful with the dial when cleaning the goop off cause the dial is very fragile and will brake easily if it hits the little metal post.
My gauges work perfect now and you cant tell that I opened them unless you disassemble the guage. This repair would not be so cool on a restore project though. I think of it as a get me by solution 8-[
You could cut them open just as well, as described by one of the other responses.
Hope I have been an example that this works.
Jim

[thcash]

Thanks all...

I think I'll bite the bullet and try cutting them open using the drill press procedure. It looks pretty straight forward and seems like a sound process. If that doesn't work, I guess I'll see about another set (one was offered). Great ideas from all...thanks again.

T

[jimcor]

While there are many shops that will repair your British, Italian or German instruments there is not one shop I have found that will touch a Japanese gauge. Most claim parts are non-existant, and I can believe it, but still you'd think somebody would fix 'em, but that's not the case. If you can't still find them new used is the only way to go.

My 550 gauges are beginning to take on the characteristics of the old Smiths Instruments...\\/ thiswaythatwaythiswaythatway.