As soon as a "non-defective" replacement starter arrives, I hope to be driving my '78 124 Spider regularly again. So as to avoid the long arm of the law, I better get my speedometer working. It quit shortly before I stopped using the car for several years. A case of 'pre-revenge' no doubt. My mechanic buddy checked that the cable appeared to still be connected at transmission. What's the likely culprit? Should I just go ahead and order a new cable, or would it be worthwhile to have him check the other end of things at the dash? He's considerably smaller than I, and stands a much better chance of working under/around the dash area than me with my fat head. As I recall, my last adventure in that area had my back on the seat bottom, my legs over the seat into the rear section of the car and my head upside down on the floor. Not a pretty site.

it could have come loose from the speedometer. if not, it's easy to pull it out and test with a drill if you have questions on whether it works.

It's probably the cable. I've replaced mine three times in 255000 miles. I once didn't bother for about 1 1/2 years, so the mileage is approximate.

besides a broken or disconnected cable, the 90 degree adapter at the trans could have worn gears in it