59 G12 Smiths speedo needle removal?

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Fearn80
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Location: Norfolk England

59 G12 Smiths speedo needle removal?

Post by Fearn80 »

Hi to all
Just seeing if you guys might be able to help.

The bottom exit trip reset on my Smiths speedo doesn’t work properly.

After some searching it looks like its the reset holder that has come loose from the speedo chassis.

Unfortunately to get to the holder screw the face and needle need to be removed to allow reset rod to be lifted out to gain access to loose screw.

Problem is i can’t get the needle to budge ... I’ve tried a couple of screwdrivers underneath the face. Also 2 blades but no luck and I’m worried about breaking something.

I don’t think its ever been apart and removing the bezel and reset rod was a mission in itself.. shame to send it to a specialist after getting these hard bits done.

Anyone else had trouble removing the needle?

Everything I've read online says it should put up minimal resistance

Cheers
Andy
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clive
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Re: 59 G12 Smiths speedo needle removal?

Post by clive »

The smiths factory tool was a small (very) puller. I have fixed many 100s of speedos in the past and my method after removing the small screws was to turn the unit upside down over a cloth then insert a knife blade so that the edge is just below the needle, underneath the face, and the other side of the blade against the flat brass cover of the mechanism. A sharp twist and the needle should fall off. Remember to ensure the mechanism is zeroed (a visible spring arm should be engaged with a cut in the needle wheel, you will see what I mean with the face off) before you replace the needle. I normally push it home using the rubber covered handle of a pair of pliers. Incidentally at rest the needle should be on the line at 5 MPH (the mechanism does register internally below this but does not work the needle until 5MPH is reached). If all goes wrong I may be able to help with parts but if that is needed I will of course have to move to a different part of the forum so as not to tell myself off.
clive
if it ain't broke don't fix
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jackstringer
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Re: 59 G12 Smiths speedo needle removal?

Post by jackstringer »

I have a needle puller from Budenberg. I suspect you could make one.

If you are near to Somerset I could do it quickly enough, if you know of a Calibration lab nearby that does pressure calibration there is a good chance they will have the kit.
Fearn80
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Location: Norfolk England

Re: 59 G12 Smiths speedo needle removal?

Post by Fearn80 »

Thanks for advice Clive and Jack.

Unfortunately I'm over in Norfolk....however i did a quick search of needle puller and see what you mean. Sets on ebay for about £30.

I'll have another go with the knife and if i get into trouble I'll put up a request in the parts section.

It does rest at the 5mph and works fine... So I'd hate to wreck it for sake of the trip odo. Hmmmm



I felt the red mist descending so put it back together and back in the bike for time being.... Spent a fair few hours manipulating that darn bezel... I think the original rubber seal had turned into a glue fixing it in place. Little bit of gentle heat and a oil filter strap finally got it.

I'll let you know how i get on.
Cheers
And
IMG_20221009_181724425_HDR.jpg
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Fearn80
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Location: Norfolk England

Re: 59 G12 Smiths speedo needle removal?

Post by Fearn80 »

Hi To All

Just a quick follow up on this... For anyone who might come across this thread.

I bought a set of pullers off the Amazon.. all the way from the mainland China.
IMG_20221122_210701628.jpg
A bit cheap and nasty but I didn't want to spend a fortune on a one use tool.

Had to cut down the pressing pin a touch for a good fit.

Very stressful operation on such a delicate instrument but it worked. It really put up a fight.
IMG_20221122_194344941_HDR.jpg
I'd make a rubbish bomb disposal bod.

Trip holder now re secured.
IMG_20221122_201110431_HDR.jpg
Think i moved the needle as i removed it ... So now need to reset mechanism to zero before re installing the pointer.

Any thoughts on this?

Also thanks to Clive for the advice.

Cheers Andy F
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clive
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Re: 59 G12 Smiths speedo needle removal?

Post by clive »

Look at the top wheel with the holes cut in it. The top edge of it has a cut indentation in it. At zero the flat spring has a wibble in it which engages with the cut. Sorry i cannot be more technical but i think if you are looking at the works of your speedo you will understand what i mean. To get it to zero rotate the drive very slowly. If it does not zero in the direction you are rotating try the other way (it should be clockwise looking from above) Once its lined up replace the face and set the needle at the lowest mark on the scale.
clive
if it ain't broke don't fix
Fearn80
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Re: 59 G12 Smiths speedo needle removal?

Post by Fearn80 »

Cheers Clive

Got it.... All back together and now have a working trip.

I used an o ring from a car cartridge oil filter housing to replace the melted bezel one.

I really don't think it had ever been apart.

The paper gaskets were all intact and no witness marks on face securing screws.

Cheers
Andy
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