Some questions about gauges.

[MP81]

Okay, I have some questions about my gauge cluster.

We'll go left to right.

Speedometer

This thing bounces, which I've read is due to a speedo cable that needs to be lubricated, and it screeches when it's really cold (slipping).

How exactly do I go about lubricating the cable? Does it require me to disconnect the cable under the car? What is the difficulty of this?

Tachometer

Well, the tach seems to be right, but how can I check how accurate my tachometer is?

Also, when I turn the car off, the needle will rise to about 1000 - 1500 RPM, and stay there, until I turn the ignition on, where it drops to 0, and then when I start the car, it works like normal.

Oil Pressure

This thing is weird. Usually what happens is this thing will randomly drop to zero, and then if I hit a bump, or smack/tap/flick the plastic over the gauge, it'll go right back to where it should be - obviously, I don't have zero oil pressure, or the car would've not been running so well.

Sender unit? Where is it and how do I replace it?

Thanks.

[81DaytonaPaceCar]

Speedos can be lubed underneath the hood/car (don't know where yours comes out at).

Easiest way I can think of off the top of my head is to check tachs is to use a digital timing light.

Oil pressure is likely the gauge...but GM has had a problem with oil pressure gauges for 30 years...lol...

[bgtaylor]

My speedo does the same. Bounces a little and its off by like 10mph when it says im only doing 45 I'm actually doing 55. Also, my oil pressure guage does the same. Sometimes it works, other times it doesn't.

[98blackbeauty]

if your flicking the oil presure gauge and the reading goes to normal sounds like you have a flacky gauge not the sending unit.
I would be shocked given the age of your car that you would have a speedometer cable, if you do then the easiest way is to disconnect at tranny and elevate it as high as you can and give it a couple of drops of silicon lubricant. If not then the speed sensor bearings need lub.
Tachometer is electronic and if you have an obdx port you can plug in there or take to someone who has computer tuner to compare read out.

[WMCCjames]

Someones digging up old posts...lol

[kammi10]

Holy thread from the dead!!!!

[1bad83ta]

Someones digging up old posts...lol

holy crap.

[Gregs_gsxr]

thats for sure ! at least he is using the search button

[bgtaylor]

if your flicking the oil presure gauge and the reading goes to normal sounds like you have a flacky gauge not the sending unit.
I would be shocked given the age of your car that you would have a speedometer cable, if you do then the easiest way is to disconnect at tranny and elevate it as high as you can and give it a couple of drops of silicon lubricant. If not then the speed sensor bearings need lub.
Tachometer is electronic and if you have an obdx port you can plug in there or take to someone who has computer tuner to compare read out.

Thanks, I'll put that on the list of things I need to do. Right now I sort of occupied in patching some rust through spots on the floor boards. Doing some patch panels for now and buying a whole new floor board (600$) then spraying the underside of it with some sort of preserver. I have several rust holes, about 5; 2 medium size holes about 1in across and a few inches wide, and about 3 small ones about a dime size and lower. Unfortunately everything cost money and I do not have a job, and my family does not have the budget do be making expenses on things that are not mandatory. The search for a job continues!

[Fox Slaughter]

Well Sunday was Zombie Jesus Day apparently Zombie Thread Day too.

[masterfab]

My speedo does the same. Bounces a little and its off by like 10mph when it says im only doing 45 I'm actually doing 55. Also, my oil pressure guage does the same. Sometimes it works, other times it doesn't.

if you want to fix it the right way you need to use a creeping style lubricant such as Kroil/AeroKroil. fluids will travel with gravity. if you oil it from under the car it will not travel up to the dash. to remove the guages isnt hard. it just takes alittle time. and is a sure fire way to fix 1 time. heres a link to that oil i sware by it.

http://www.amazon.com/Kano-Kroil-Pen.../dp/B000F09CF4

or you can use pb blast