Interesting leak

[jfrench]

Some time ago I noted some fluid leaking from under the driver side dash. I'm an idiot and had no clue what it was but was worried about brakes and my clutch, despite no symptoms. Sticking my head up under there, it was not obvious where it was coming from but did not appear to be clutch or brake related. And the fluid was oil. Since the rig has been down for a bit while I'm doing other work, I decided to investigate more thoroughly. I'll let the pictures do the talking.
Instrument panel reinforcement behind/under gauge cluster:

Gooey mess I wiped off of above picture:

Speedo cable:

Speedo cable plug in gauge cluster:

Couldn't find much on Mud about speedo cable leak at the gauge cluster but there is some stuff on the internet about it. Click and Clack, the Tappet Brothers from NPR's CarTalk apparently diagnosed this with one of their callers. I guess I'll be replacing the speedo cable.

 

[Mookies]

It can mean that there is excess pressure in your tranny/transfer. It gets pushed up and out helped by the cable. Check you case breather isn't clogged.

 

[jfrench]

It can mean that there is excess pressure in your tranny/transfer. It gets pushed up and out helped by the cable. Check you case breather isn't clogged.

will take a look tomorrow

 

[roscoFJ73]

I had this happen on a Holden car many years ago. It means the seal is gone at the gearbox end and as the cable turns it draws the oil up into the dash a bit like an Archimedes pump. I can still remember the squishy feel of gear oil between my toes early in the morning.