Speedometer Not Working

rmrstlmo

From what I've been reading there is a good chance my speedometer quit working because something is clogging it.  What is the best/easiest way to unclog it?  Screwdriver?  Hand held drill bit?  A can of compressed air?  My boat is going to be pulled out of the water next week and I want to be prepared.  Thanks.

Black_Diamond

What outdrives do you have?  If a Bravo III the speedo pickup is on the lower half of the outdrive facing towards the bow, it is just a small hole along the leading edge.  A small pick will usually clear up anything blocking it.  Also check where the pickup tube mounts to the drive, if it comes loose you get the same problem.  Both easy fixes 

Dream_Inn

I agree with BD on both fixes.  Take a bunch of small drill bits, then you will have the right size.

rmrstlmo

Yes, I have Bravo III's.  Thanks for the advice.

raybo3

I like having everything on my boat work but the speedo just my not be worth it. They are never correct and just a PITA. Your gps will give you the proper speed...

Babyboomer

Find the drill bite that works then glue a wire nut on the end of the drill bit makes it easy to use in water when finished spray with WD 40 store in a zip lock bag 

Babyboomer

Speedo Marked

rmrstlmo

The boat doesn't have a GPS.  Thinking about getting a small one - maybe one that would replace the compass. Thanks boomer, looks like a good idea.

Black_Diamond

Keep the compass! Never 100% depend on electronics.

andyd

Step 1: Remove speedometer
Step 2: Buy GPS to know how fast you are going
Step 3: Fill hole in helm dashboard with a fuel flow meter

Worked for me!

Andy

Michael T

If all else fails remove your dash panel. That's easy to do. Then remove the plastic tube from the back of the speedometer and blow into it. If that doesn't work use a pump or better yer a small compressor to blow air trough it. You can use a zip tie to reconnect the tube to the speedo. We had to do this all the time with our go fasts back in the days before widespread use of GPS. When your drives are going tghrough the water from 70 to 100mph a lot of stuff gets jamed into the pitot tube opening  and tubing. The air "blow" will work if all else fails. Good Luck! MT.....P.S. Two good tips - I do like andyd's suggestion if you are going to keep the boat for awhile - AND - as BD says don't dump that compass, many a boater has had to use one at some point - both tips are solid! MT

bat32

My speedo would always clog too.  Droveme nuts because it's the largest guage on the dash and dead center.  I had my mechanic rewire it to a paddle sensor.  Haven't had a problem since.  Again not the most acurate but stil close enough.