Speedometer not working

watermark

I went to use my boat this weekend and noticed the speedometer was not working. Not sure if it is a loose wire, fuse or something use I need to check. I have a 2014 Rinker 196 bowrider. I checked the manual and there was no info that helped. Any help or suggestions appreciated!!

99270fv

blocked pitot tube. if you are in the water and can get to the back of the speedo pull the water tube from the back 0f the speedo, after planing you should have water coming out of the tube. if on the trailer check the water inlet port on the front of the lower unit and look for blockage (most likely the problem) apply water or air pressure from the speedo end to try and clear.

Michael T

@ 99270fv's advice id sound. Also, check your ground wire to the gauge. It should not be loose on a 2014 but stranger things have happened.

Stodge

You can also switch to a GPS speedometer.  They make replacement gauges that come with a GPS puck to show your speed.  I removed mine all together and just use the chartplotter to tell me my speed.

watermark

Thanks for the advice!

Handymans342

Ok guys, I disconnected the tube off the back of the speedo and I could not blow air thru the tube with 100 psi air. I have an older transducer on the bottom of the transom with a paddle wheel which is free. Im not sure where the tubing goes to until I trace it out. Im used to seeing the pick up connected to the tube. It has worked since I got the boat. 

diggin2day1

What should be done with the pitot tube if he replaces his speedo with a GPS type? I assume that the tube should the tube be plugged?

Michael T

IF you don't locate the source of the pitot tube - exiting the drive, on a stand alone on the hull or .... then it should be blocked-off at the helm. If you disconnect it, remove the original gauge go to to an electronic alternative like a gps or merc monitor or vessel view and the orininal pitot is left "as is" just disconnected and whatever is blocking it frees-up it will blast water all over the inside of the helm - not a good thing.

Handymans342

Where does it go out Michael? Thru the drive or the transom? Is there a pickup inside the drive?

Cableguy Greg

 The tube goes into the drive. Not sure which one since you have twins. If you run your hand down the front of the drive, you can feel the pickup just above where the prop shaft is at. You can clean it out with a long 1/8 inch drill bit. Chances are it is clogged there.

Handymans342

Maybe they pinched the tube when they replaced the transom plate?

Handymans342

Ok I found the tube and it looks like it goes on a barb at the transom plate 

Cableguy Greg

They might have missed connecting it to the drive when they replaced the plate.

Handymans342

Just watched a Youtube video on the tube and the hole at the bottom of the drive 

Michael T

Sorry for the slow reply Steve, I'm visiting friends in Phoenix BTW the weather is Great here -  and using my cell phone :-(  On my drives the opening in the drive casing is a small notch in the leading edge of the casing. There is a black plastic  tube that exits the back of the drive and connects via a fitting to the plastic tube that goes through the transom and up to your speedo.  This can be twisted, pinched or just left disconnected by a sloppy tech ,  after doing a drive service -  this happened twice to me in the past leaving the water to spray at the drive exit giving me 0 mph reading at my speedo. 

Handymans342

Yes I am going to buy a long plank to join the 2 dock spans so I can go right under the boat to the drive

TonyWalker

You might do better with a painters scaffold.  They are a lot sturdier.

Michael T

Steve,  I always knew that your comments on the forum would result in you "having to walk the plank" one day!!!!!!! LOL

Handymans342

Here it is. I got under the drive and the tube was pinched somehow. I cut it with a knife and reattached it to the yellow plastic fitting. Now I am trying to fix the trim sensor. 

Dream_Inn

That looks like it could be a bit flimsy.  A good investment Steve might be a float platform.  I have one that I use all the time and it really is great!  You could also just put a board on each side from cradle to cradle, this will allow access to keep those blue sides nice and clean.

Handymans342

Dream, that plank is solid. I would like it wider but it will do. 

Handymans342

Dream, can you walk around your lift like my dock?

raybo3

Handy how much water is under your lift/boat. Looks shallow. Is that a rock and a small fish or a reflection? 

Dream_Inn

Handy, I unfortunately only have one side I can walk around. 

I guess if it is solid, go with it and see if it works out.  You can always use a float or dinghy to get to something underneath if need be.

Handymans342

Ray, the water is way down today for some reason. 2.5 feet deep under boat. Would not float today. 

raybo3

Is that the lowest it gets? 

Handymans342

Yes Ray. I havent looked at the tide charts today. Normal level is 4-5 feet deep

rasbury

I just read the water is draining from Cape Coral area and they don't expect the water levels to b up for several months....

Handymans342

Was up today.  Thanks Rat. Lol

Robs_232

I had same issue with spedo not working. The water input hole on front of drive was plugged. Used 1/8" drill bit and screwed in by hand, then pulled material out. Unhooked yellow fitting on tube before going thru transom (used when pulling lower unit), blew air back towards drive. Speedo has worked great since. I think there is a You tube video if you google it showing how to do this.

Handymans342

Yes, I watched it. My issue was different.