Speedometer Doesn't Work

[macrae]

I have a 1986 Bayliner 1950 Capri (AQ225E/275). I took the boat out of storage and after getting it ready for the lake, I noticed that the speedo read 47MPH. I started the boat and it still read the same. I checked to make sure the hose was conected on the pickup tube whcih is attached to the transsom and it appeared to be ok. What next? Thanks

 

[tschmidty]

Re: Speedometer Doesn't Work

Check for blockage in the line. Easiest way is to probably disconnect it at the gauge and blow through it. But that's not the problem .

Sounds like the gauge is just rusted corroded. I have a 1988 and my gague wasn't working, would barely move. Took it out and took it apart and sprayed WD-40 and it registers dead on now. Like with 1-2 MPH throughout the range. To take it apart you have to carefully pry open the gauge face take it out and then clamp it back around. Think of it like those aluminum take out containers.

 

[Grand Larsony]

Re: Speedometer Doesn't Work

Are you saying that the speedo reads 47 MPH while still on land or when running in the lake? Your speedo only functions when there is water passing under the hull, causing pressure to build via that little plastic thingy off the transom. The pressure is then transferred to the gauge by a hose...

Either way, it the hose is likely plugged. Pull it off, blow it out or replace it, and then start in on the gauge as noted above.

Or do what most folks do... get a GPS and don't worry about the original setup. They rarely work well anyhow.

 

[wbc1957]

Re: Speedometer Doesn't Work

Are you saying that the speedo reads 47 MPH while still on land or when running in the lake? Your speedo only functions when there is water passing under the hull, causing pressure to build via that little plastic thingy off the transom. The pressure is then transferred to the gauge by a hose...

It's called a pitot tube. They take a bunch of abuse over their life spans. And yes, sure they are no longer considered as accurate as a GPS, but give them credit for their years of service to us as boaters! On certain days, a GPS isn't always going to be there for you also.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Speedometer Doesn't Work

It's called a pitot tube. They take a bunch of abuse over their life spans. And yes, sure they are no longer considered as accurate as a GPS, but give them credit for their years of service to us as boaters! On certain days, a GPS isn't always going to be there for you also.

Well put!

The plastic pitot on my 1984 boat is still within 1-2 mph of GPS. And the aluminum pitot on my 1952 boat still works, although its off by maybe 4 or 5.

 

[Stachi]

Re: Speedometer Doesn't Work

Are you saying that the speedo reads 47 MPH while still on land or when running in the lake? Your speedo only functions when there is water passing under the hull, causing pressure to build via that little plastic thingy off the transom. The pressure is then transferred to the gauge by a hose...

Either way, it the hose is likely plugged. Pull it off, blow it out or replace it, and then start in on the gauge as noted above.

Or do what most folks do... get a GPS and don't worry about the original setup. They rarely work well anyhow.

if the pitot or the lines were plugged...it would read ZERO

 

[MRS]

Re: Speedometer Doesn't Work

Well put!

The plastic pitot on my 1984 boat is still within 1-2 mph of GPS.

Mine is also or was till I broke it while useing a buffer with rubbing compound I will fix it hate having a gauge in the boat that is not working.

 

[macrae]

Re: Speedometer Doesn't Work

Thanks for everybody's comments and suggestions. I appreciate it. However, I would like to find another speedo, where can I look for one that has to be like what I have? While you are at it how about a pitot tube-where?

 

[riptide09]

Re: Speedometer Doesn't Work

if the pitot or the lines were plugged...it would read ZERO

No. My tube got plugged while under way I would guess. My speedo was stuck at about 25 until I reached under the dash and pulled the pitot tube off the back and released the built up pressure. Now my speedo is back at 0 (and still not working).

 

[macrae]

Re: Speedometer Doesn't Work

I have pulled the tube off of the speedo as well as the pitot tube and blew air through it. It appears tobe ok and no blockage. The speedo still is showing about 47mph. I am assuming at this point the speedo is broke. I need to find one just like it somewhere. Thanks for your comments.