Spedometer not working

madramire

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Sep 15, 2008
Messages
33
The Tachometer or RPM's is working, Fuel Gauge is working, Tilt-Trim is a check, ciglighter is a go and the lights all work, bilge is kicking in but the spedometer ain't working.

All fuses in panel have been replaced, can't trace spedo's wire back as it connects into a block that connects into the distribution panel.

Confused, should I re-wire, to be sure all switches are doing their jobs and the panel lights work again?

(I bought this boat second hand. 1985 Galstron SSV-167, good boat and love it, but want all parts to work right)
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: Spedometer not working

speedo's don't operate on electricity. the work on air pressure. hose off pitot, or leak in hose from pitot to speedo.
 

TheWoodCrafter

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Nov 20, 2007
Messages
414
Re: Spedometer not working

Speedometer is usually a pastic tube run from a pickup outside the boat.
The pickup is usually mounted low on the transom. It can get plugged and often needs cleaning. Take the tube off it and blow air back through the pickup. You may want to remove the tube from the gauge and blow back through it with the pickup disconnected to make sure it is clear. Don't blow compressed air into the tube with the gauge hooked up. You may damage it. You could try a little pressure from your mouth while someone watches the gauge.
 

madramire

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Sep 15, 2008
Messages
33
Re: Spedometer not working

God damn it, just like an Aeroplane... should have realised that.

there is a clear tube on the transom, it has a black springy connector thing on it, looks to have liquid in it... might be the pitot in question.
 

gcboat

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
May 29, 2007
Messages
1,822
Re: Spedometer not working

There are two items on a boat that seldom work properly. One is your fuel gauge the other is the speedo. With the advent of less expensive handheld GPS units I really don't see the need for them anymore. Go buy a GPS unit if you really want to know your accurate speed. But yes, having all of the bells and whistles working is nice.
 

mthieme

Captain
Joined
Oct 6, 2007
Messages
3,270
Re: Spedometer not working

The water pickup for the speedo on the transom pivots so you don't rip it off should you hit some debris or whatever.
Mine goes upward once in a blue moon which becomes apparent easily.
Pushing it back down lasts until the next blue moon.
 
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