Speedo / speedometer stopped working

[mcgyver210]

Ok guys I know it just needs cleaning just can't find any info on how it is done on my Alpha 1 Gen II drive?

Was out yesterday & it just gradually stopped working but not a big deal in reality just need to fix or it will bug me LOL

 

[Don S]

Re: Speedo / speedometer stopped working

there is a small hole in the leading edge of the oudrives lower unit. Clean it out with a wire or a small drill bit.

 

[dubs283]

Re: Speedo / speedometer stopped working

if you use a drill bit do not use a power drill to clean it out, i have heard of guys using extra long drills with screwguns and drilling through the gear case and then there is gear lube all over!

i use the straight piece of a wire coat hanger to clean out the pitot in the gear case

also GENTLY blow air through the hose and have a helper watch the speedometer guage to ensure it is working

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Speedo / speedometer stopped working

It will be located here, and have crud in it, just like the one in this picture has:

 

[mcgyver210]

Re: Speedo / speedometer stopped working

Thanks guys I really appreciate the help & photo. I finally figured out a good way to search & came up with some other info.

Will it really work to pull the tube from Speedometer back & blow in it as some said do? This would be nice since boat is in water at marina but I can have it put on work rack also if need be.

If you use a wire wouldn't that possibly push trash further into pitot?

I am already looking for a GPS replacement since this may become a recurring issue with our lake. They seem quite expensive though so may need to decide how much I really care about speedo in dash since I already use my Navionics with GPS info.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Speedo / speedometer stopped working

I already use my Navionics with GPS info.

Ayuh,... Doesn't That show SOG,..??

You can try blowin' through it backwards, but a tiny drill bit, in hand usually gets things started...

 

[mcgyver210]

Re: Speedo / speedometer stopped working

Ayuh,... Doesn't That show SOG,..??

You can try blowin' through it backwards, but a tiny drill bit, in hand usually gets things started...

Yes it does also show SOG I am very picky on having equipment work though so I will either clean it when needed or replace it with a GPS Speedo. Just not sure about justifying the cost of GPS Speedo.

 

[markn88]

Re: Speedo / speedometer stopped working

im having a problem with my speedometer and think its the pilot that is clogged but mine is not attached to the drive its on its own. it looks like something maybe stuck at the tip. so ill try taking the tube off and using a drill or toothpick to clean it out. this is my first boat so im really new at all this and looking forward to getting help from all of iboat forums lol

 

[mcgyver210]

Re: Speedo / speedometer stopped working

Now I am a little confused I tried cleaning out the speedo pitot but nothing was there? So now I gues I will need to go in behind the dash & run some air thru tube? Is this the next step?

 

[QC]

Re: Speedo / speedometer stopped working

First step is to blow into tube towards the speedo to insure that the speedo works. These type of speedos are actually an air pressure gauge. If you blow into the tube towards the speedo the needle should move. If the needle does move, then you still have something between the speedo head and the hole clogging it. Also the tube (hose) could have fallen off at either end. A common symptom of that is water dripping on your foot while you motor on down the lake. You can guess how I know that.

Oh, and compared to a GPS speedo, if you boat in any significant current remember that a GPS speedo gives speed over the bottom, not through the water

 

[mcgyver210]

Re: Speedo / speedometer stopped working

First step is to blow into tube towards the speedo to insure that the speedo works. These type of speedos are actually an air pressure gauge. If you blow into the tube towards the speedo the needle should move. If the needle does move, then you still have something between the speedo head and the hole clogging it. Also the tube (hose) could have fallen off at either end. A common symptom of that is water dripping on your foot while you motor on down the lake. You can guess how I know that.

Oh, and compared to a GPS speedo, if you boat in any significant current remember that a GPS speedo gives speed over the bottom, not through the water

I forgot to say I checked the tube connections OOPs

Thanks for the info I ordered a new Tach with Hour meter so when it gets here & I install I will check the Speedo more thoroughly. Im also thinking the tube may be pinched somewhere since the speedo fluctuated a little before it quit. On the other hand that could mean the Speedo went out totally also.

 

[mcgyver210]

Re: Speedo / speedometer stopped working

UPDATE:

I recently was able to check the tube for air flow & it seems to be free of any obstructions so my guess is I need a new Speedo unfortunately is this the next step?

I haven't been able to test the speedo by blowing into it because I had no tubing anyone know what size the tubing is?

Thanks