Speedometer quit working

[1kicker]

Was fishing yesterday speedometer was working and then just quit. Some trash on water which may have lead to problem. I have a new Mercury outboard 225 HP. I believe the pickup for speedometer is on the foot of the motor. What do you think is the problem and how to correct.

[5 BASS LIMIT]

You have picked up some trash in the speedo pick up and that is what stopped it from working. If you are very careful you can use a #44 drill bit and a cordless drill and remove the clog or you can do it with compressed air but be careful not to blow the hose off in the gear case or you will have to remove the gear case to reinstall the hose. Their should be a fitting on the hose above the gear case that you can disconnect and blow it out.

[1kicker]

Thank you 5 Bass Limit. Seems like I read somewhere about drilling on the foot and they went thru to the lower unit oil reservoir.

[5 BASS LIMIT]

That is why I said be very carefull if you dill it. Do not go any deeper than 1.250" or you could damage the gear case.

[dannyp]

Kicker before putting the power to it try the drill bit in your hand first.

I did that to my Merc one time just take the bit and twist it with your fingers. If that dosnt get it then use the drill.

[nitro189]

Kicker I have the same problem with my merc at times , usually can get it unclogged with a t handle needle used for backprobing wires ,I now keep one in the boat.

[1kicker]

Nitro, not familiar with a T handle needle for backprobing wires, where do you find such a tool.

[ells]

i usually straighten out an old hook and use the barb to pull out the debris

[nitro189]

you can get a pack of tapestry pins in the sewing department at wal mart . same thing, you get apack of 50 for about a dollar we use them alot in auto repair business to backprobe very handy.

[1kicker]

OK, tell me if I have messed up. I took a small drill bit and inserted by hand and turned. Could tell I was getting resistance so I started pulling the bit back out and out comes a bunch of junk on the bit but also a small aluminum tube was also coming out. I slid aluminum tube back in as it was out about a quarter of an inch. Reinserted drill and hole was clear. Applied a low amount of air thru pick up hole and speedometer worked. Question what was the small aluminum tube that I saw.

[5 BASS LIMIT]

That is a wear tube made of stainless steel to keep the aluminum from wearing around the hole. Just make sure you lightly tap it back in so it will not come out and you should be fine.

[1kicker]

Thank you 5 bass limit.