1998 Merc. 40HP 3-cyl. - Speedo install

[tmanis0182]

First post, and I am starting off with a good one. I have a really nice 1998 Mercury 40hp ELPTO 3 cyl., s/n G673076, that I just bought, and am in the process of putting together everything I need to install it on my 17ft. Bass Tracker. Mind you I am going from a tiller to console, so it is a decent project.

Okay to my question. I managed to purchase the correct NOS Mercury gauges(speedo, tach. and trim) for the console and in particular, the speedometer came with the pitot tubing, but no pickup. In the installation instructions it mentions two ways that the tubing can be run to the motor, to an already present pitot tube on the lower unit or coming out of the cowl, but i don't see anything (of course I was in my shed looking at my motor with a flashlight). Does anyone know if this model motor is equipped with this pre-installed pitot, or am I going to need to install a pickup on the transom?

Thank you for any answers in advance!!

Todd

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 1998 Merc. 40HP 3-cyl. - Speedo install

Look for a tube the same size as the speedo tubing that is sticking out of the lower unit (between it and the boat). If present, it will have a platic fitting onto which the speedo tubing connects. You will need to snip the end off of the fitting to open the hole. If you don't see this tube, the engine probably doesn't have the pickup and the separate pitot will need to be used.

 

[tmanis0182]

Re: 1998 Merc. 40HP 3-cyl. - Speedo install

Thanks Silvertip, I thought that's what should be there. Unfortunately, I didn't see any tube coming up from the front of the lower unit. Big bummer considering the Mercury speedometer I purchased was the exact part number listed to work along with this motor. Maybe Mercury listed this specific speedo due to it''s max. speed of 40mph, rather than it's ability to connect with the motor.