speedometer not working

[Gary Wolfer]

My speedometer on my new to me boat does not work, I looked at the plastic piece on the back of the boat with the rubber line to it and it points straight back is it supposed to do that or is it supposed to point down. tried to push it down but didn't seem to want to go and I didn't want to break it. any help appreciated.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: speedometer not working

It will point back at a little angle, but not straight back.<br /><br />Make sure the line is not stopped up somewhere.<br /><br />Take the rubber hose of the unit in the rear and off the back of your speedometer and have someone blow thru it to make sure it is not stopped up.<br /><br />Next, hook the hose up to the unit in the rear and blow thru it to see if air is coming out of unit.<br /><br />Water pressure coming thru hose is what makes the speedometer work, so you have to make sure that the hose is clear.

 

[RBunch]

Re: speedometer not working

The plastic part on the transom is the 'pitot' tube. It needs to point down. It works on a vacuum created by the flow of water across the opening at right angles (remember the vacuum ports on the faucets in high school chemistry labs?). Any cracks or splits in the vacuum tube running to the speedo gauge will also render the speedo useless.<br /><br />Try removing the pitot tube from the transom, and moving it on its bracket. If you can't move it, it's easy enough to replace. Fill the screw holes in the transom with sealant, like silicone caulk or RTV to previde a water tight seal when reattaching the new pitot tube.

 

[jlshields]

Re: speedometer not working

Gary, don't remove the pitot tube pickup just yet. They have a feature that lets then kick up if you hit something with them. Just push down on it and it should snap back down.<br /> john

 

[Gary Wolfer]

Re: speedometer not working

John I pushed down with enough pressure I thought I might break it and it didn't budge I will look again maybe loosten a screw or something as it is pointing straight back. Thanks!I just went out and pushed down on it a little harder and it did drop down so I'm sure it will work now Thanks All for the response

 

[gaugeguy]

Re: speedometer not working

Gary,<br />If you hit something with it to cause the pitot to pop up, it may now be clogged with debris. If the speedo still doesn't work, do the procedure that S-B Nut posted.