Speedometer not working

[marksmith54]

2005 Bayliner 195CL. Speedo guage not moving at all. I've read some posts about blowing compressed air down from the speedo end to the "pitot". But my boat does not have a "pitot" - at least not one that looks like the photos I've seen.

My Bayliner has a small black oblong plastic piece - with the word "SKIMMER" on the side of it. Mounted on the transom to the right of the outdrive, and hanging just below the hull. I assume this is what is sensing my speed? Is this in fact a "pitot" or something else? Is compressed air the recommended next step?

Thanks!

OK - the Skimmer is for the fish finder. Duh! Looks like the Pitot is in by Merc outdrive.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Speedometer not working

Do you have a platic tube that goes through the transom? Some outboards and I/O outdrives had them built in too.

Find the hose, make sure it is clear........ if you blow into it hard it should move the speedo.

 

[skargo]

Re: Speedometer not working

Mine works sporadically. I have a P58 transducer for my A65 coming, it has a wheel for the speed sensing. Not sure I'm confident that will be any more accurate. I am wondering why my GPS doesn't display speed?

 

[marksmith54]

Re: Speedometer not working

OK, the external "Skimmer" is for the fish finder the last owner installed. Looks like the Pitot is built into my Merc outdrive. I think I will try the compressed air idea.

I read that blowing from the transom into the speedometer could hurt the guage. So the recommendation seems to be to disconnect the hose from behind the speedo guage. That's the next thing I will try.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Speedometer not working

No not compressed air....... people powered air!!

 

[capri_1850SS_lover]

Re: Speedometer not working

In the past when my speedometer didn't work I used a drillbit the same size as the pitot opening and reversed the debris out by hand. Easy, quick, and it worked for me.