150 VMAX Speedometer Oops

[NBE]

Well.....in the process of trying to clean out the pitot hole for my speedometer using a small drill bit, the bit broke off inside as I was trying to get the crud out. <br /><br />Now do I have to drop the lower unit to get this out or does anyone have any other suggestions on how to fix my stupidity? <br /><br />Thanks!

 

[Ray Neudecker]

Re: 150 VMAX Speedometer Oops

Best bet is forget it. Will happen sooner or later while cleaning them out. If you have to have a speedometer either use a transom mounted sender that is easy to replace (another often thing) or better yet use a GPS.

 

[NBE]

Re: 150 VMAX Speedometer Oops

Thanks for the input, Ray.<br /><br />I know most of you guys who mess with this stuff on a daily basis don't like the speedometer set-ups that come on most boats. It's agreed that they are not too reliable nor accurate and GPS is probably the best thing to go by. I do have a hand-held GPS and I do use it. The difference in the GPS speed reading and the speedometer, when it was working, was only 1.5 to 2 MPH. Not too bad.<br /><br />Still, it irks me that a portion of a $400 digital Yamaha gauge is not working, no matter how accurate it is. Actually, if you count the trip meter, that's two things on that gauge that are not working. <br /><br />I guess if I can't stand it not working then I'll have to decide to either drop the lower unit and fix the problem or disconnect the tubing from the motor and go with an external pick-up. I'll still rely on the GPS, just don't like the fact that there are gauges that are not working is all. <br /><br />Thanks again!

 

[rodbolt]

Re: 150 VMAX Speedometer Oops

the pitot tube is replacable. look in the 2001 marine tech guide for the instructions and tube part number. its tech bulliten 099-022. it also has a nice cutaway view.

 

[Ray Neudecker]

Re: 150 VMAX Speedometer Oops

Biggest problem with them in my area is the constant need to repair. Too much small debris constantly breaking or clogging. Often the repair takes longer than the repair lasts. The guage if digital costs more than a GPS. The real need is really not there either.

 

[NBE]

Re: 150 VMAX Speedometer Oops

I agree Ray. Down here in Louisiana, there is a lot of muddy water with sediment and lots of duckweed, etc. that seem to be always plugging up almost any type of hole or opening if you don't watch it. <br /><br />I recently bought this rig about a month ago, slightly used, and each time I got back to the house after taking the rig out I have had to rod out that pitot hole. Seemed to be plugged with mud, probably from the muddy water, and if it dries it is hard to get it out. This last time is when I broke off the drill bit.<br /><br />That part of the speedometer system design seems to be pretty crappy, for lack of a better term. The digital gauges came with the boat so I didn't have a choice about them. Don't know if they are supposed to be any more accurate than analog ones or not but they do look good if that counts for anything. <br /><br />I'm thinking that I am just going to go with the external pick-up and be done with it. Still going to use the GPS as I have been doing. I'm probably doing it mostly for my two boys as they seem to like watching the gauges and stuff.<br /><br />Rodbolt, not sure what the marine tech guide is. I do have a Yamaha manual for the motor due in any day now. Is that tech bulletin there or are you referencing something else?<br /><br />Thanks guys for all of your help!

 

[rodbolt]

Re: 150 VMAX Speedometer Oops

its not in the service manual. its in the marine tech guide or in your dealers bulliten notebook.<br /> your dealer can also look it up on YDS.<br />its in the literature library. and yes the tend to clog easily. you may try a hull mounted pitot tube.<br />but they clog as well.<br /> each year yamaha produces a tune up spec guide, a rigging guide and a marine technical guide. I keep them by the easy chair for those sleepless nights and nights when the news is to stupid to watch.

 

[bigbrownbuku]

Re: 150 VMAX Speedometer Oops

its easily repalceable with a transom mounted pitot.<br />re-route the tube and the speedo will work again.<br />drill bits rust quickly, it will likely be red dust in the fall service.

 

[NBE]

Re: 150 VMAX Speedometer Oops

BenC....when you say transom mounted pitot, are you referring to the pointed lever type or something else? <br /><br />I've been thinking about going to the lever type mounted on the transom. Just was wondering if there were something else available.<br /><br />Thanks!