speedometer question

[Haus]

im looking at used 30+yr old speedometer for sale in my area. the seller does not know if it works, and gives no garuntee that it will work, my question is: how often do speedos fail? should i be concerned? it looks like they stripped a boat down and are selling parts, as they are also selling a complete, but non running evinrude. its a pitot type speedo . thanks

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: speedometer question

First off, just because it is 30 years old does not automatically make it worth a lot.

Speedos of the pitot type rarely fail unless there is a lot of corrosion you can see. There is a copper or brass bourdon tube inside that bends with increasing pressure. It is linked to the needle--very simple design. Unless the tube is perforated by corrosion it should function.

Typically, the external plating pits badly making it necessary to fill, polish, and replate for looks.

With no guarantee as to it working, unless it was special like a period piece I needed for a restoration, it would be worth (to me) 2-5 dollars

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: speedometer question

For a basic test; Take a piece of plastic tubing, attach it to the speedometer and blow into it.
Depending on your lung power you should see about 10 mph will all the "Lung" pressure you can muster.
You might get close to 20 mph using "Cheek Power"!

For your Reference...
1.5 psi = 10 mph
2 psi = 12 mph (Typical pressure produced by a set of health lungs.)
6 psi = 20 mph
13 psi = 30 mph
23 psi = 40 mph
52 psi = 60 mph

 

[5150abf]

Re: speedometer question

Easy enough to check but if he can't confirm working a couple bucks sounds about right.

I personally would besuprised if it did work but may be as easy to fix as removing the bug nest or whatever is plugging it.

 

[Haus]

Re: speedometer question



here is the speedo in question, the increment size on the face is what im looking for, for my little hydroplane, and the dial spins over 360degrees, which is too cool. but the seller wont budge from his price of $35, should i roll the dice and go for it?

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: speedometer question

It looks like it is all there and the photo looks like he at least cares.
If you want it, and blowing in the tube makes the needle move even a little, you should be fine.

Edit: I just looked at the picture closer.
It goes to 45mph and the dial does a full rev and a half! Too Cool!

 

[tinkerguy70]

Re: speedometer question

Considering that you can buy a brand new kit here on iboats for around $55, I believe I'd walk. Unless you just really want that style or look.
If it where me and I really liked it, I'd probably go $10 or $15 if it worked. It is kind of neat, but it doesn't seem like much of a bargain to me at $35.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: speedometer question



Aqua-Meter wasn't that expensive way back when. And, it doesn't even look good (to me). Personally, I would not want it at any price. The question is: Does it look 35 dollars cool to you? To decide, flip a coin--heads to buy, tails to not buy. Then analyse your very first reaction to the flip. For example: if it comes up tails and you are disappointed, then you really want it and should buy it.

Remember: An item is only worth what a buyer is willing to pay. AND, a brand new Teleflex speedo will cost about that same price. And, again, that is what I am using in my tunnel hull