Speedometer pickup in outdrive, not working

[1CoeRay77]

It is not clogged with anything. I can spray water into the holes and the water comes out around the plastic coupler where the air tube connects to the outdrive. Would this be a simple fix by opening up the lower unit or should this be left for the professionals.

 

[cannonford57]

Re: Speedometer pickup in outdrive, not working

take the line loose at the back of the speedo,blow air through it to see if its clear...

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Speedometer pickup in outdrive, not working

A hose or a piece of weedeater line in the hole.J

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Speedometer pickup in outdrive, not working

Your fitting in the front of the anti-ventilation plate is either loose or broken. It's a strictly external repair. Tilt the drive up all the way, and lay down in front of the drive. Remove that front anode to see better. Then you will see the fitting with the hose attached. It's a "twist and lock" kind of thing. Sometimes they untwist and fall out. Other times, guys forget about them when removing the drive and PULL HARD, and break them off.

Does this photo help at all?

 

[1CoeRay77]

Re: Speedometer pickup in outdrive, not working

The speedo works when I blow air through the tube. When I put water to the holes on the lower unit it comes out around the fitting where the tube connects. That is telling me something is broke or has come disconnected inside the lower unit.

 

[Don S]

Re: Speedometer pickup in outdrive, not working

Might help if you posted what drive you have and maybe even the year.

 

[1CoeRay77]

Re: Speedometer pickup in outdrive, not working

'94 Alpha I Gen II

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Speedometer pickup in outdrive, not working

There is nothing inside the drive. Just a cavity.

 

[Don S]

Re: Speedometer pickup in outdrive, not working

You may just have a faulty connector for the speedometer where the hose connects to the drive.
Just order a new connector assembly from your Mercruiser dealer, about 10 bucks. PN 815956A1
The above is for this type connector.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Speedometer pickup in outdrive, not working

Excellent diagram Don.

 

[1CoeRay77]

Re: Speedometer pickup in outdrive, not working

Don, that is it. The fitting that screws into the lower unit, water is coming out around that fitting and not through it. And I just noticed a screw in the hole for the pickup on the starboard side the lower unit while I was trying to clean it out again. I suppose that could mean something.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Speedometer pickup in outdrive, not working

Speedo pickup hole in the starboard side? Can anyone confirm that? On Bravos the hole is in the leading edge of the drive. Not on one side or the other. Is an Alpha different?

 

[Don S]

Re: Speedometer pickup in outdrive, not working

There is only one speedometer pickup hole, and that is on the leading edge of the lower unit not the side. Not sure what you have that has a screw in it, could you post a picture?

My guess is the lower piece of the connector is cracked and that is why it's leaking. Just replace it, for 10 bucks it's an easy and cheap fix.

 

[1CoeRay77]

Re: Speedometer pickup in outdrive, not working

Im an IDIOT. Got the right hole cleaned out this time, it was pack full of black soot I didnt even hardly see it.
It works great, it is right there with the speed on my garmin.
Thanks for all the help.

 

[mnypitboat]

Re: Speedometer pickup in outdrive, not working

I just searched and found this thread. Glad you got yours fixed. Mine is clean, but I have not gone any further than the outdrive.

Does that vacuum type line go all the way to the speedo? If so, can I just pull the end off up by the speedo and blow it out with canned air or something? Or do I need to use compressed air through a blower fitting?

TIA
John