Replacing instrument seals

[GTiJohn]

Following on from my recent thread about needing a speedo needle, I now have the fun task of getting it out from its original speedo and into mine!

Of course, the old glass seal has solidified and the glass is well and truly stuck in...





Can anyone recommend any solvent to dissolve or soften the old seal please?

[xvivalve]

Try PlusGas, it's very searching...

[GTiJohn]

Not searching enough, unfortunately...

Any other suggestions for breaking the rubber that's bonded itself to the glass ?

I could of course force it to get at the needle but I'm using this as a test, as I just know the one it's got to go in will be even more awkward

[xvivalve]

MEK? If you can still source it?

[bazyerma]

Hi

When I cant get anything off, I just leave it in Paint thinners, I use it for everything

Or you could use IPA I use for electrical stuff. (Isopropanol Alcohol IPA Not the Ale!)

Regards

Barry

[GTiJohn]

MEK? If you can still source it?

Methyl Ethyl Ketone ?

Available on ebay

[xvivalve]

MEK? If you can still source it?

Methyl Ethyl Ketone ?

Available on ebay

That's the stuff; surprised it's so readily available as it is extremely volatile. From experience, Fire Officer's don't like it being stored in anything like large quantities; I acquired a can of it when a Client was told to reduce stock and it is a solvent for lots of things...to the point when I returned to the can after a few months the can was empty.

Don't get it on your skin and try not to breathe the stuff in either!

[GTiJohn]

Well that worked!

I put about 5 drops onto the gap and capillary action did the rest. Having got the glass out, I realised there was metal inner ring that I could probably have got out earlier and then got at the glass seal from behind.



Of course, the needle, the only bit I actually want, is firmly attached to the instrument. Does anyone know how to get this off, or of someone who can if it's not a DIY job?

[xvivalve]

The needles are friction fit John; push on....pull off!

[GTiJohn]

The needles are friction fit John; push on....pull off!

I'd better get some Plusgas on it then, as it doesn't want to come off easily

[xvivalve]

Well, that was my memory from last time I took a clock apart many years ago, but pulling a speedo apart just now it would seem that there is more holding the needle on than I first recalled

[xvivalve]

They are friction fit, but there are two pegs integral with the needle that pass through the brass mount beneath as well as the spindle itself, see photograph. I broke one whilst levering the needle off and I’d suggest this is avoided by using two watch maker’s screw drivers between the needle and its mount simultaneously either side of the central pin (which I lost!)

[GTiJohn]

Tried to ease it off and broke both small pegs

Got the superglue out and they may just stay on when refitted...