Speedometer to Transmission connection

[Doug Meloan]

I currently have my '63 in getting some seals/gaskets replaced that dried out as a result of the car not being driven enough. (I really need to get it out more).  The mechanic mentioned that there is a leak where the speedometer cable connects into the transmission housing.  He assumes that there should be a rubber gasket or some other form of seal at that connection but he is afraid to pull the cable out completely before he knows what to expect. Can someone please help me out with how that all comes together on that connection and possibly even a diagram. Is there a specific type of housing and or seal?  We briefly looked through the shop manual this afternoon but could not find anything before I had to go back to work.(I left them the shop manual to further the search).   I mentioned to the mechanic that I had an excellent resource for these types of questions through the 1963 1964 Cadillac Chapter!!  Any help would be appreciated.  Thanks, Doug    

[3ft7bqmb7dryo]

There is a gear inside the cone shaped piece that screws into the transmission. The speedo cable screws onto the cone shaped piece.

Taking the speedo cable off will not cause a leak.  The seal ( O ring )is inside the cone shaped piece, and the gear shaft pass's through the seal.

[24ro8f5mbs2jc]

Not sure if you can replace the o-ring without removing the sleeve. When checking spare-parts list it looks like you should replace the sleeve. 

[Doug Meloan]

Thanks for the information guys.  Is this sleeve available through an auto parts source, or is it one of those hard to find parts? 

[24ro8f5mbs2jc]

I did some internet searching last night and it does look like a hard to find part. There is a Company in Sweden that does sell refurbished sleeves. About 140 USD plus S/H and you get 55 USD back when sending in the core. The good thing is it tells us its possible to repair the sleeve.

If I would be you I would remove the speedometer wire and take a close look inside. Maybe its possible to remove the o-ring while the sleeve is in the transmission. If you get the o-ring out, just measure it and get a new of similar size. Any good auto parts-store should have an o-ring of correct size to fit.

[3ft7bqmb7dryo]

Taking the sleeve or the piece shown in the picture out is a super easy job. It just unscrews from the transmission. The speedometer gear then comes out, and then you can get to the O ring.

[3ft7bqmb7dryo]

Some fluid will come out, but not a lot.  The new O ring can go in either way, but what ever is easiest for the mechanic.