Speedometer sensor broken - buy generic sensor?

[thomsonr]

My speedometer doesn't work (I hear they are somewhat inaccurate anyway) because of damage to the sensor under the waterline. Can you buy a generic sensor or do you generally need an new speedometer package with gauge and sensor?

Thanks

 

[Sixmark]

Re: Speedometer sensor broken - buy generic sensor?

The "sensor" you are referring to is a "pitot" pickup, very similar to ones used on an airplane. You can get one at just about any marine dealer, heck I think I got my last one at Fleet Farm. It's not so much that they get damaged as they get plugged up, if yours is plugged, disconnect the line going to it and blow out the pickup with an airhose.

If you want to make sure that the line doesn't have a blockage or a leak, just have someone blow into the line while you watch the speedometer, if you get nothing for movement on the needle you might have an issue with more than the pickup.

FYI the pickups are rather inexpensive (under $10)

 

[Boatist]

Re: Speedometer sensor broken - buy generic sensor?

I just replace mine with a one form here at IBoats. Cost was 6.49 and I also got a high thrust prop and it had free shipping so they just stuck it in the prop box.

The one I got uses the same holes the last one did. It actually two top holes and bottom holes are elongated so it will fit almost any boat with out drilling new holes.

They do go bad when hit by stuff floating in the water. Holes also get plugged and you can clean out but after being in the sun for many years then being hit by a floating stick going 40 MPH they can crack and break.