Andrew Pace
A boat's mph gauge, also known as a speedometer, can stop working for a variety of reasons. The most common issue is a clogged pilot hole for the pickup tube. This can be caused by dirt or debris, which blocks the water line running to the gauge. Other potential problems include a disconnected hose, a crushed hose, or a crack in the hose.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for not working | Clogged pilot hole for the pickup tube |
| Clogged hole in the outdrive leg | |
| Disconnected hose from the outdrive leg to the gauge | |
| Crushed or cracked hose from the outdrive leg to the gauge | |
| Disconnected 1/4 turn clip from the top of the lower unit | |
| Pickup sensor on the stern is clogged or has been flipped up | |
| Plastic device that trails in the water has been hit and needs resetting |
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What You'll Learn
Clogged pilot hole for the pickup tube
If your boat's mph gauge (also known as a speedometer) isn't working, there are a few things you can check.
Firstly, check the pickup sensor, usually on the stern. If you've hit something in the water, the sensor may have flipped up and need resetting.
Secondly, if your boat has an analogue gauge, the most common problem is a clogged pilot hole for the pickup tube. These gauges use water pressure to determine speed, so if anything clogs the water line running to the gauge, it will stop working. This could be caused by dirt or debris in the pilot hole on the engine.
Thirdly, most boats come with a pitot tube speedometer, which has a small hole in the outdrive leg. Again, water pressure makes the gauge move, so if the hole gets plugged up or the hose from the hole to the gauge gets damaged, the speedometer will stop working.
Finally, if none of the above solutions work, you may need to refer to your boat's manual to check for any other potential issues.
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Clogged or damaged pitot tube
A boat's mph gauge, also known as a speedometer, uses water pressure to determine speed. If the gauge is not working, it could be because the pitot tube is clogged or damaged. The pitot tube is a small hole in the outdrive leg of the boat, and if it becomes plugged up, it can cause the gauge to stop working.
The pitot tube is connected to a thin rubber tube that runs from the back of the gauge to the transom, where it connects with a plastic device that trails in the water. If the boat hits something, the plastic device can pop up and need resetting. As the boat moves through the water, water is forced up the tube and compresses the air inside, which is registered by the gauge.
If the pitot tube becomes clogged, it can prevent water from flowing up the tube and compressing the air, resulting in an inaccurate or non-functioning gauge. This can be caused by dirt, debris, or floating crud that has entered the tube.
To fix a clogged pitot tube, you will need to locate the tube and check for any blockages. This may require getting on your back and looking up between the transom and the drive, and a torch may be needed due to the darkness. Once the blockage is located, it can be removed, and the tube can be cleaned to ensure that it is clear of any debris.
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Faulty fuse
A boat's mph gauge, also known as a speedometer, works by using water pressure to determine speed. A thin rubber tube runs from the back of the gauge to the transom, where it connects with a plastic device that trails in the water. If the tube becomes clogged or damaged, the gauge will stop working.
If your boat's mph gauge is not working, one possible cause is a faulty fuse. To check for this, you can refer to the owner's manual for your boat, which should provide information on the location of the fuses for the gauges. If the fuse for the mph gauge has blown, it will need to be replaced. This is usually a straightforward process, but it's important to ensure that you use the correct type of fuse and that it is installed properly.
In some cases, the problem may not be with the fuse itself, but with the wiring or connections to the gauge. It's possible that a wire has become loose or damaged, causing an interruption in the power supply to the gauge. To check for this, you may need to inspect the wiring and connections, which may require getting on your back and looking up between the transom and the drive. A torch may also be helpful in this process, as it can be dark and difficult to see.
If you are unsure about how to replace a fuse or check for wiring issues, it's best to consult a qualified marine technician or electrician. They will have the knowledge and experience to safely diagnose and repair any issues with your boat's electrical system.
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Plastic device needs resetting
If your boat's mph gauge is not working, it could be due to a clogged pilot hole for the pickup tube. This is a common problem with analog gauges, as they use water pressure to determine speed. If the water line running to the gauge is blocked, the gauge will stop working.
To fix this, you should check the pickup sensor, usually on the stern. Make sure the hole is not clogged and that the tube is not damaged or disconnected.
If your boat has a pitot tube speedometer, there is a small hole in the outdrive leg. The hole can get plugged up, or the small hose from there to the gauge can come undone, get crushed or develop a crack.
If your gauge is not working due to hitting something, it may need resetting. There is a plastic device that trails in the water, connected to the gauge by a thin rubber tube. If you hit something, this device pops up and needs to be pushed back down into the water.
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Damaged or disconnected 1/4 turn clip
If your boat's mph gauge is not working, it could be due to a damaged or disconnected 1/4 turn clip. The 1/4 turn clip is located at the top of the lower unit, between the transom and the drive. To access it, you may need to get on your back and use a torch to see in the dark space.
The 1/4 turn clip is an essential component of the pitot tube speedometer system, which is commonly found on boats. This system uses water pressure to determine the boat's speed. The pitot tube has a small hole in the outdrive leg, and water pressure forces water up the tube and into the gauge, which registers the speed.
If the 1/4 turn clip becomes damaged or disconnected, it can affect the water pressure and, consequently, the accuracy of the speedometer. It is important to regularly inspect and maintain the 1/4 turn clip to ensure it is secure and functioning properly.
Additionally, it is worth noting that the pickup tube can become clogged with dirt or debris, which can also cause the mph gauge to malfunction. Therefore, it is recommended to check both the 1/4 turn clip and the pickup tube if you are experiencing issues with your boat's speedometer.
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Frequently asked questions
The most common problem is a clogged pilot hole for the pickup tube. These gauges use water pressure to determine speed. If anything clogs the water line running to the gauge it will stop working.
Check the pickup sensor usually on the stern. Did you maybe hit some floating crud and flip it up? Is the hole clogged? If so, you may need to reset it.
The small hose from the pitot tube to the gauge can come undone, get crushed or develop a crack. Make sure the 1/4 turn clip has not come disconnected from the top of the lower unit.
