speedometer question

[cballs]

2009 Bayliner 185 sport 4.3

Speedometer worked fine last year. I pulled the boat out of storage and gauge read 30mph. I tapped the gauge front and needle didnt move. I looked at the inlet on the leg for a clog on shore. None. Next time in the water I disconected the line behind the speedometer gauge and blew in it with my mouth and bubbles came out at the leg. Next i decided to remove the gauge. Once i removed it i shook it around and some water came out. While crossing the lake water was pouring on my feet so i had to plug the line.

My question is: Is it right for water to reach the speedometer up that 1/4 inch tube? Seems to me that if it does this gauge will freeze and break every winter. Am I missing something?

And oh yea....if i blow in the speedometer inlet the gauge needle will move from 30mph to max.

Any info out there?thx

 

[gcboat]

Re: speedometer question

No, the water is not supposed to go into the unit. It will migrate there if there is a leak in the speedometer unit itself. Sort of like a pressure relief valve if you will.
The speedo units are for the most part pretty useless in their own right. A good GPS will serve you better and give you a lot more options rather than just position.

 

[NYBo]

Re: speedometer question

What gcboat said. See if you can get the instrument replaced under warranty.

 

[cballs]

Re: speedometer question

So water is supposed to go up the 1/4 inch hose into the copper inlet resulting in the pressure reading, just not into the gauge front or needle housing? correct?

 

[gcboat]

Re: speedometer question

No, the water will migrate up that tube for maybe a foot - maybe more, maybe less. It should not go all the way into the head unit. Your readings from the speedo are a result of the water in the tube pushing the air against the mechanism. The only way water will ever reach the unit itself is if there is a leak that allows the air to escape - thus allowing the water to continue up the line.

 

[cballs]

Re: speedometer question

OK that makes sense. So basically the tube needs to fit tighter at the back of the gauge and before the end of the season I should disconnect the tube and blow it out backwards so it doesnt freeze next year.

 

[MAXXIE]

Re: speedometer question

I think what gcboat is trying to say is, "you have an air leak in the gauge itself", it might be the connection, but something is wrong. You should not have to "blow water out" at the end of the season or any time, that line should drain every time you take it out of the water. Ha! cballs. I like that name