Speedometer Probs...I think I messed up....HELP

Vwipe

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Jun 5, 2009
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I saw a thread a while back about speedo blockages. I have an Alpha 1 Gen 2 drive. So the speedo inlet is on the front of the unit. I recalled the thread saying something about, drilling out the blockage. Well I am sad to say I did that.. Heres what happened. I put the drill bit to the inlet and started drilling (not fast). I pulled the bit out and it had some thread on it that matched my ski rope. I continued to drill and then the drill bit went all the way in the drive (about 3/4"). What have I done, if anything. Is there a tube, I have drilled thru? I have not put the boat in the water bc Im affraid of getting water in the lower unit, if I drilled thru a hose.:eek:
 

Bondo

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Re: Speedometer Probs...I think I messed up....HELP

I saw a thread a while back about speedo blockages. I have an Alpha 1 Gen 2 drive. So the speedo inlet is on the front of the unit. I recalled the thread saying something about, drilling out the blockage. Well I am sad to say I did that.. Heres what happened. I put the drill bit to the inlet and started drilling (not fast). I pulled the bit out and it had some thread on it that matched my ski rope. I continued to drill and then the drill bit went all the way in the drive (about 3/4"). What have I done, if anything. Is there a tube, I have drilled thru? I have not put the boat in the water bc Im affraid of getting water in the lower unit, if I drilled thru a hose.:eek:

Ayuh,.... Yer Supposed to use a drill Bit, in yer HAND,... Not in a drill motor...

Welcome Aboard...
 

Bt Doctur

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Re: Speedometer Probs...I think I messed up....HELP

If you got real lucky, you only destroyed the speedo part of the drive. If it is leaking any oil ,you have destroved the drive.
 

Don S

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Re: Speedometer Probs...I think I messed up....HELP

There is a open cavity under that opening. You didn't hurt anything. Just don't push the drill in further until you hit bottom and drill aluminum.
 

TilliamWe

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Dec 21, 2004
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Re: Speedometer Probs...I think I messed up....HELP

Poke it with a wire next time. Anything but a power drill!

However, the material you pulled out is probably what was plugging it up. Just don't use a power drill on it next time. You got lucky.
 

Vwipe

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Re: Speedometer Probs...I think I messed up....HELP

OK, thanks to all. Still not in the water. No oil or fluid came out. SHUWEE. :facepalm:

BTW: the stuff that came out, looked shockingly like my ski rope...bet thats never happened to anyone else???
 

tpenfield

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Re: Speedometer Probs...I think I messed up....HELP

Unless you drilled into aluminum, then you probably did not f' the drive.

Next time, put the power tools down.
 

TilliamWe

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Re: Speedometer Probs...I think I messed up....HELP

BTW: the stuff that came out, looked shockingly like my ski rope...bet thats never happened to anyone else???

No of course not... ever. really. (yeah right)

Get used to cleaning out that hole, if you boat in water with a lot of mud or debris, because it will get plugged up "all the time".
 

Vwipe

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Re: Speedometer Probs...I think I messed up....HELP

Hey all, Got on the water today, 100 degrees F. It was sooooo sweet. and viola........we have speed indications. Checked it with my GPS app. Spot on. Thanks for all your words both good and harsh. Never taking a power tool to my boat again. Hind sight being 20/20...man that was stupid :D
 
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