Tachometer(tach) guage fix, Honda CM400T 1981 Motorcycle Repair

Honda motorcycle tachometer repair - Slow to respond
Honda CM400T 1981 - Part of a strip-to-frame restoration project.
With age, a motorcycle's instruments may become sluggish to respond.
This repair will work on both tachometer and some speedometer as well, as long as the gauge is actuated by rotating cable.
If your gauge does not move at all:
1) Disconnect the cable from the engine(tach) or front wheel(speedo) and pull out the long inner cable. Check the entire length of the cable for any defects.
2) Verify the cable is clean, then add grease as it is installed. Make sure it is fully engaged on both ends.
3) Test the gauge. If it still does not respond, then the gauge may be to blame.
After making sure that everything works except the gauge, then you may confidently and CAREFULLY dismantle the instrument and attempt this repair.
I used SuperTech Brake parts cleaner on the rotating joints, making sure not to get any overspray or drippings on the face of the gauge, since the caustic solvent will destroy the markings. With the solvent actively attacking the gummy ol' grease in the joints, I work the mechanism up, down, and around until it felt like it got its act together, then worked it a bit more. I did not add any additional grease or lubricant, as the nylon bushing and remnants of prior lubrication will be plenty.
Then I used a new shop rag wet with water to clean the gauge lens, and lemon scented Pledge furniture polish on both sides of the lens and on the gauge face and needle to make it shine like it's brand-old.

[@xangoboy1]

The tenacity, patience, and finesse you have is inspiring!!!!!
I enjoy all of your training videos, and even like the VMCR theme song you played at the end of this one!
:)

[@ivancastro8882]

Have the exact problem with my 72 CB 350 F. However, these are gauges I bought reconditioned on eBay. I’m going to run the bike in the warm Florida sun for a while to see if it frees up on its own. I’ve had terrible luck, opening the gauges and removing that bezel without messing the whole thing up. Worst case I’ll contact the guy I bought it from to see if he will redo it. Excellent video. Nicely edited.

[@vintagemotorcyclerepair]

It is a delicate task, that's for sure.
The increased temperature is a good theory, I'd like to know if it works!
Thank you for the kind words 🙏

[@tomconte1765]

Good job buddy.

[@vintagemotorcyclerepair]

@@tomconte1765 Thx!

[@O2N2Concepts]

Thanks so much for this! Fixed the lazy (hardly responsive) tach on my '75 CB400F following your instructions. I believe my issue came from storing the instrument face down for an extended period of time. The fluid in the damper pot leaks out and makes the pivot too sticky for it to work properly. Won't do that again!

[@vintagemotorcyclerepair]

Nice work!! I love reading this, thank you for sharing!

[@eriknilsson1903]

Great jobb and video !! Thanks for solve my problem on my CB 650 😊👍

[@vintagemotorcyclerepair]

Nice!! Great job to you!!

[@_Se7en_007]

Awesome!!

[@jimimcintosh7796]

Drop in some led bulbs in there to freshen up the Guage

[@rizingsonmotorcycles1240]

Great job, I'll be trying it soon. Is a slow responding speedometer fixable using this method as well. (1973 CB350G)

[@vintagemotorcyclerepair]

I believe this method will work on that speedometer. Let me know how it goes!