Stumbled across this video and found it to be exactly what I was looking for to remedy my exact situation. Straight forward and informative. Well put together with no unnecessary info added. Thank you for a fantastic job. Well done sir.
Great video. To unclogged my speedometer channel we always use “aircraft safety wire no#20” works perfect for snaking all jet channels. Simply unplug the tube as you did and insert the wire down the channel freeing the clog out the other end.
Thank you. My dad hasn't been able to use his speedometer the last 3 trips down the river and I just found your video today while we were down here. Fixed it in literally 1 minute with a carb and choke cleaner straw.
My clog was right at the entrance. I used your drill bit idea and used a smaller size, twisted it to extract by hand and was able to slower get the gunk out. I then switched to a larger size to make sure it was clear. thanks for the video. it gave me the knowledge to fix my problem.
This is awesome, I ran my boat aground a few weeks ago on a sandbar and the speedo hasn't worked since then, I'm pretty certain this will fix it. Thank you for the video demonstration
Sorry to hear about your run a ground! I’ve done that on sand bars in the Mississippi a few times and I think that’s where my problem started. Good luck and let me know how if fix works!
This was very helpful, thank you!. Just wanted to add that the boat I purchased had not had a working speedo for multiple years and this tube was PACKED with sand, clay, wood and seaweed... packed so hard that I had to use a drill to even begin cutting into it. I did these steps, on and off, for a couple of hours but nothing was changing. I had utilized the full length of my drill bit, I tried coming in from the top with weed eater line (as suggested by a commenter) but I was still not making progress. I had a 10" piece of 14ga. solid electrical wire and I took the copper ground wire, put it in my drill, and slowly worked it back and forth. The copper is flexible and will bend if you push to hard or run the drill at too high of a speed AND YOU NEED TO TAKE CAUTION NOT TO BREAK IT OFF INSIDE THE LEG, but this got the obstruction cleared in about 90 seconds. It still took some flushing with the water solution and running the wire in and out to keep breaking the larger chunks, but I was finally able to put the air hose on the lower hole and blow out the last of the larger chunks. Can't wait to get it on the water and see speedo movement on a gauge that was not operational for at least 4 years. Thanks again... 5 years later and your video is still helping others! :-)
This is excellent. I was not able to force the soapy water through so I took the line off my weed eater and fed it down from the top. It took some work but was able to break the blockage. I was able to clear it out and flush it with soapy water and air. Thank you for posting this.
Great thread! I used the same strategy and unfortunately my blockage was more stubborn. I ended up with some additional suggestions: 1. use a heat gun or hair dryer to heat the 3/16th's tube - my plastic connector seemed brittle and i was very careful not to put undue pressure on it to attach the tubing; 2. if the water solution doesn't work I then used my air compressor and could have used a 3rd hand. What I ended up doing was to hold the tube connected to the boat with one hand and the A/c fitting with the other - so it would not blow off when I sent 150 PSI into the tube. Then i used my knee to get air flowing- worked like a charm!!! Cant wait to get back on the water and be able to confirm my speed. Speed for my kids doing surfing and wake board ends up being important - one kid goes faster and the other not so fast. Great to get this fix without traveling to shop to wait and pay $$$.... THANKS!!
Thanks Doug, that was great help. I actually overlooked this very small outlet on the back of my lower unit at least half dozen times, took it up the river and got lots of nicks and chips on the back of my lower unit so with all those it was hard to pinpoint the exact spot of the hole. Finally found it, cleaned it out with a drill bit by hand, used the tubing and syringe you suggested, had to disconnect the existing tubing from the outdrive and given the type of attachment point had to remove the connection tip and reattach to my tubing. Of course I got the same result, lots of built up pressure, kept adding hot water, and it started leaking out of the attachment point and not to pitot hole, used a drill bit by hand but was only going in 1/4 inch, from other videos I knew it was still blocked so I attached it to my drill and added some power behind it, finally broke through and it was definitely packed with dried mud, then the entire drill bit was able to be inserted and removed. Have not had it in the water yet, but now that its cleared out if I run the motor on muffs should the spedo work now either on throttle or in gear? My understanding is it has to be in the water actually to be able to measure pressure and speed?
@@douglee5798 One final question if you don't mind. I'm concerned about the effort used with my speed drill to clear out the blockage and that I may have damaged.something inside that orifice. Do you know if that is just dead space in the lower unit there or is that connected to the pitot tube from where we disconnected it above at the top and if I could have damages the lower half of the tube inside the unit or worst case drilled a hole right through it from the orifice? Videos I've seen clearly show the drill bit going 90% into the orifice, mostly by hand without force but in my case I had to use full on drill speed to clear it out.
@@divenride6758 That’s a great question I really don’t have the expertise to answer. I used the drill on low speed and wasn’t very aggressive. I still had an occlusion and that’s what prompted me to use the irrigation technique with soap and warm water. If I were you, my biggest concern would be drilling into the oil cavity. I would expect that if you aren’t seeing an oil leak (gear lube) from the Pitot tube hole (same hole you inserted drill bit in) you’re ok. Sorry for the delayed reply!
Was having this issue with my new to me boat , I have electronics that show me gps speed The past 25 years with my other boat never had one problem so I had no idea This was so helpful , it was full of sand Great video and thanks for being so helpful
Thanks Sir for taking the time to make this video. Mine was heavily clogged with wood. I had to use my drill since trying by hand for 45 mins wasn't working. The syringe and soap trick helped also. Thanks!
Thank you Doug for making this video. I was prepared to take the boat to the marina and have them fix it, but after seeing this I did it myself and it works perfectly now and easily saved some serious money. Mine is a Bravo One but it seems the parts and everything is identical to yours.
That drill bit worked great. Then I used my hose sprayer to check the speedometer and it moved back up which before the clog prevented any speed indication. Taking her out this weekend to explore our new area.
@@dougstenslokken3587 I just tried it yesterday and your procedure worked perfectly for me. I had a lot of compounded mud/clay from the river (I hit a sandbar a few months ago) and after 10-15 minutes, I was able to clear the line and blow clean air through. I'm excited to put her back on the water and see if the issue is fixed. I'm mechanically inclined, but wouldn't have known where to start without your video. Thanks again!
Your are a pretty smart man i was thinking about doing the same check and fixing the speed gauge i will doing mine just you said Thanks man im in Savannah Ga
You're very welcome. This one was an easier win. I have a replacement speedometer coupler en route and need to find a leak. But I'm new to boating and have lots to learn
There is a tube you can feel way up on the stern drive in back. It's difficult to see, but you can feel it. The tube connects to a plastic connector that twists off (righty tighty, lefty loosey). Twist off the connector and attach the tubing to the connector and re-attach it. forums.iboats.com/forum/engine-repair-and-maintenance/mercruiser-i-o-inboard-engines-outdrives/612639-bravo-3-speedometer
That would be a great idea if it works. The longer the tube, the harder it is to transfer significant pressure to the other end. You could also rupture your tubing if it has a weak spot in that long distance.
FANTASTIC !!! I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM IN A VOLVO SX STERN ... (1999 GLASTRON SX 175 VOLVO 3.0 GL), MAYBE THE PROCEDURE IS SUCH AS YOU SHOW US IN THIS VERY CLEAR VIDEO.. WHO KNOWS ? DO YOU THINK THAT IS THE SAME SYSTEM? THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FROM ARGENTINA ! (THE INSTRUMENTS ARE "FARIA")
Thanks for the feedback. I think its worth a try on your Volvo. I'm not an expert on that boat and stern drive model but I would expect them to be similar in the way they measure speed via water pressure at the lower unit.
I don't know for sure why you are seeing oil in the Speedo Pito Tube. I Googled your problem and found some ideas, but I am not an expert with that situation. Sorry!
So I was unable to get the hose of the bayonet, but when I pulled the bayonet (yellow piece) out of the hole I noticed some dirt on in and in the opening. I cleaned off the dirt and used the hose and syringe to blow air and water (pumping the syringe numerous times) through the hole in the back of the lower unit and all seemed clear. Took it out today and it worked perfectly. By the way, my spedometer never completely stopped working. It was sluggish and wasn't tracking the right speed (showing slower than the actual speed.) All is working now.
The speedometer line is connected to the top of the Bravo 3 in a tight area that's hard to see. You have to reach up with your hand and feel for the hose. It's on the upper back side of the Bravo 3. The hose is connected to the Bravo 3 with a plastic connector that twists in and out about a quarter of a turn. Untwist the connector clock-wise and connect your irrigation tube to it. Screw it back in place and begin the irrigation procedure. Follow this link to see what the connector looks like. www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn10.bigcommerce.com%2Fs-0lagkiv8%2Fproducts%2F927%2Fimages%2F1944%2Fbravospeedo__91968.1417483620.500.659.jpg%3Fc%3D2&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marinediscounters.com%2Fmercruiser-bravo-iii-speedo-pick-up-815303t%2F&tbnid=X9d6qTuzFyQI6M&vet=12ahUKEwiJ9Oaix-zwAhXPPs0KHU1HAjYQMygCegUIARDuAQ..i&docid=jkppHbv2Zxc6tM&w=300&h=224&q=Bravo%203%20speedo%20hose%20connector&ved=2ahUKEwiJ9Oaix-zwAhXPPs0KHU1HAjYQMygCegUIARDuAQ
Were you using a power drill or your fingers to turn the bit? Its too late now, but try just your fingers next time. Can you push it out by applying a water stream or air stream from above? You may want to Google the question. It appears that others have done the same thing. One comment I found stated that you won't have access to the drill bit even if you take the lower unit apart. Bummer!
Just lost the speedo on my Bravo 3 yesterday. After following the steps you videoed. I have a working speedo again. Thanks very much!
Awesome news Sherman. Thanks for the note!
Stumbled across this video and found it to be exactly what I was looking for to remedy my exact situation. Straight forward and informative. Well put together with no unnecessary info added. Thank you for a fantastic job. Well done sir.
Thanks for the kind remarks Randy!
Great video. To unclogged my speedometer channel we always use “aircraft safety wire no#20” works perfect for snaking all jet channels. Simply unplug the tube as you did and insert the wire down the channel freeing the clog out the other end.
Thanks for the kind note and aircraft safety wire tip! Where do you source the wire, Amazon?
Thank you. My dad hasn't been able to use his speedometer the last 3 trips down the river and I just found your video today while we were down here. Fixed it in literally 1 minute with a carb and choke cleaner straw.
Outstanding!
My clog was right at the entrance. I used your drill bit idea and used a smaller size, twisted it to extract by hand and was able to slower get the gunk out. I then switched to a larger size to make sure it was clear. thanks for the video. it gave me the knowledge to fix my problem.
Glad it helped! Thanks for the feedback too!
This is awesome, I ran my boat aground a few weeks ago on a sandbar and the speedo hasn't worked since then, I'm pretty certain this will fix it. Thank you for the video demonstration
Sorry to hear about your run a ground! I’ve done that on sand bars in the Mississippi a few times and I think that’s where my problem started. Good luck and let me know how if fix works!
This was very helpful, thank you!. Just wanted to add that the boat I purchased had not had a working speedo for multiple years and this tube was PACKED with sand, clay, wood and seaweed... packed so hard that I had to use a drill to even begin cutting into it. I did these steps, on and off, for a couple of hours but nothing was changing. I had utilized the full length of my drill bit, I tried coming in from the top with weed eater line (as suggested by a commenter) but I was still not making progress. I had a 10" piece of 14ga. solid electrical wire and I took the copper ground wire, put it in my drill, and slowly worked it back and forth. The copper is flexible and will bend if you push to hard or run the drill at too high of a speed AND YOU NEED TO TAKE CAUTION NOT TO BREAK IT OFF INSIDE THE LEG, but this got the obstruction cleared in about 90 seconds. It still took some flushing with the water solution and running the wire in and out to keep breaking the larger chunks, but I was finally able to put the air hose on the lower hole and blow out the last of the larger chunks. Can't wait to get it on the water and see speedo movement on a gauge that was not operational for at least 4 years. Thanks again... 5 years later and your video is still helping others! :-)
Thanks for the great feedback and new unclogging ideas Brock! Happy boating!!
Great info. I’ll try it. Step by step. Thx
This is excellent. I was not able to force the soapy water through so I took the line off my weed eater and fed it down from the top. It took some work but was able to break the blockage. I was able to clear it out and flush it with soapy water and air. Thank you for posting this.
Great idea on the weed-eater line-Thanks
Great thread! I used the same strategy and unfortunately my blockage was more stubborn. I ended up with some additional suggestions: 1. use a heat gun or hair dryer to heat the 3/16th's tube - my plastic connector seemed brittle and i was very careful not to put undue pressure on it to attach the tubing; 2. if the water solution doesn't work I then used my air compressor and could have used a 3rd hand. What I ended up doing was to hold the tube connected to the boat with one hand and the A/c fitting with the other - so it would not blow off when I sent 150 PSI into the tube. Then i used my knee to get air flowing- worked like a charm!!! Cant wait to get back on the water and be able to confirm my speed. Speed for my kids doing surfing and wake board ends up being important - one kid goes faster and the other not so fast. Great to get this fix without traveling to shop to wait and pay $$$.... THANKS!!
Hadden Dean great suggestions! Thanks for the feedback. Happy boating!!
Thanks Doug, that was great help. I actually overlooked this very small outlet on the back of my lower unit at least half dozen times, took it up the river and got lots of nicks and chips on the back of my lower unit so with all those it was hard to pinpoint the exact spot of the hole. Finally found it, cleaned it out with a drill bit by hand, used the tubing and syringe you suggested, had to disconnect the existing tubing from the outdrive and given the type of attachment point had to remove the connection tip and reattach to my tubing. Of course I got the same result, lots of built up pressure, kept adding hot water, and it started leaking out of the attachment point and not to pitot hole, used a drill bit by hand but was only going in 1/4 inch, from other videos I knew it was still blocked so I attached it to my drill and added some power behind it, finally broke through and it was definitely packed with dried mud, then the entire drill bit was able to be inserted and removed. Have not had it in the water yet, but now that its cleared out if I run the motor on muffs should the spedo work now either on throttle or in gear? My understanding is it has to be in the water actually to be able to measure pressure and speed?
Great comments! Yes, you will need to be in water to test your repair. The muffs don’t apply pressure to the Speedo. Great boating!
@@douglee5798 One final question if you don't mind. I'm concerned about the effort used with my speed drill to clear out the blockage and that I may have damaged.something inside that orifice. Do you know if that is just dead space in the lower unit there or is that connected to the pitot tube from where we disconnected it above at the top and if I could have damages the lower half of the tube inside the unit or worst case drilled a hole right through it from the orifice? Videos I've seen clearly show the drill bit going 90% into the orifice, mostly by hand without force but in my case I had to use full on drill speed to clear it out.
@@divenride6758 That’s a great question I really don’t have the expertise to answer. I used the drill on low speed and wasn’t very aggressive. I still had an occlusion and that’s what prompted me to use the irrigation technique with soap and warm water. If I were you, my biggest concern would be drilling into the oil cavity. I would expect that if you aren’t seeing an oil leak (gear lube) from the Pitot tube hole (same hole you inserted drill bit in) you’re ok. Sorry for the delayed reply!
@@douglee5798 thanks again. For the guidance. I had the boat out and Speed Racer is back in business, Speedometer is all working well now. 👍
Was having this issue with my new to me boat , I have electronics that show me gps speed The past 25 years with my other boat never had one problem so I had no idea This was so helpful , it was full of sand Great video and thanks for being so helpful
Thanks Sir for taking the time to make this video. Mine was heavily clogged with wood. I had to use my drill since trying by hand for 45 mins wasn't working. The syringe and soap trick helped also. Thanks!
Thank you Doug for making this video. I was prepared to take the boat to the marina and have them fix it, but after seeing this I did it myself and it works perfectly now and easily saved some serious money. Mine is a Bravo One but it seems the parts and everything is identical to yours.
Awesome news Jeff. It always feels good to fix it yourself and save cash too! Thanks for the feedback!
I found mine is plugged with a piece of wood. But the line is clear. I like your idea of back wash through the LU. Great Video!
Thanks for the feedback Shaun! I'll have to watch out for wood pieces. The river I boat on has lots of driftwood in the spring.
That drill bit worked great. Then I used my hose sprayer to check the speedometer and it moved back up which before the clog prevented any speed indication. Taking her out this weekend to explore our new area.
Very good info on using the syringes and soap!! Thank you!
Thank you for a very clear description of what I need to do.
I hope the video helps. Thanks for the feedback.
water never gets to the gauge water just compresses air toward the gauge as you go faster. than spits back out when you slow down
great video couldnt find anything on that tube to explain it thanks
Thanks for the feedback Rheal! Happy boating!
Thank you, just today my spedo stoped , and I found your info helpfull.
Thanks for the video! I haven't attempted this yet, but I've learned something new.
Thanks George!
@@dougstenslokken3587 I just tried it yesterday and your procedure worked perfectly for me. I had a lot of compounded mud/clay from the river (I hit a sandbar a few months ago) and after 10-15 minutes, I was able to clear the line and blow clean air through. I'm excited to put her back on the water and see if the issue is fixed. I'm mechanically inclined, but wouldn't have known where to start without your video. Thanks again!
Great info. Thank you for taking the time to share.
You are welcome-thanks for watching!
Thanks again. This worked for me. Didnt use dawn dish soap. And instead I used fresh water and used syringe for compressed air.
Glad only water worked Travis-thanks for the note!
Thanks for the video. I am going to give this a shot.
Good luck!
Your are a pretty smart man i was thinking about doing the same check and fixing the speed gauge i will doing mine just you said Thanks man im in Savannah Ga
Thanks Jimmy! Let me know how it works out.
Very helpful, great demonstration 👍
Thanks Robert!
Worked perfectly thanks.
Once the tub goes into the transom how do you get to it, the tub is leaking somewhere.
Have you checked the tubing connection behind the speedometer in the dash to make sure it's snug?
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I have been wondering why my speedometer does not work on my bravo 3 I O board I I'll try to do what you did also. Thanks for info.
Genius, thank you!
Life saver. Thank you 🙏🏻
Awesome news! Thanks for feedback!
You're very welcome. This one was an easier win. I have a replacement speedometer coupler en route and need to find a leak. But I'm new to boating and have lots to learn
Thank you very much.for your video. It helped me
Thanks for the comment Mike!
thanks I just discovered my speedo does not work great little test before I go spend money on a part I might not need - thanks
Good luck Chris. Let me know if you fix it using this technique.
Can you clarify where you put the clear tube on the top before you used the plunger? I cant seem to find where that goes on mine.
There is a tube you can feel way up on the stern drive in back. It's difficult to see, but you can feel it. The tube connects to a plastic connector that twists off (righty tighty, lefty loosey). Twist off the connector and attach the tubing to the connector and re-attach it. forums.iboats.com/forum/engine-repair-and-maintenance/mercruiser-i-o-inboard-engines-outdrives/612639-bravo-3-speedometer
What about the method of pulling the tube from the back of the gauge and shooting air through there? Think that would work?
That would be a great idea if it works. The longer the tube, the harder it is to transfer significant pressure to the other end. You could also rupture your tubing if it has a weak spot in that long distance.
Thank you!!
Awesome! Great video!
Great video thanks for making it!
Thanks Chase!
Good video very good info
Thanks for watching Michael!
FANTASTIC !!! I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM IN A VOLVO SX STERN ... (1999 GLASTRON SX 175 VOLVO 3.0 GL), MAYBE THE PROCEDURE IS SUCH AS YOU SHOW US IN THIS VERY CLEAR VIDEO.. WHO KNOWS ? DO YOU THINK THAT IS THE SAME SYSTEM? THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FROM ARGENTINA ! (THE INSTRUMENTS ARE "FARIA")
Thanks for the feedback. I think its worth a try on your Volvo. I'm not an expert on that boat and stern drive model but I would expect them to be similar in the way they measure speed via water pressure at the lower unit.
Do you think a 1996 mer ruiser alpha1 would be the same. It doesn't have flipper tube like alot of other boats have.
Does water go all the way to the speedometer and that creates the speedometer reading, or does the water compress the air already in the tube?
The air in the line is compressed.
@@douglee5798 thank you!
Thanks!
Thanks very much!
You're welcome Gideon! I hope this solved your problem!
I just wish you had stuck camera in behind the lower unit for tube.
Doug, I have oil dripping out the hole for the speedo pito tube, any advice what it could be?
I don't know for sure why you are seeing oil in the Speedo Pito Tube. I Googled your problem and found some ideas, but I am not an expert with that situation. Sorry!
Did you put a new zip tie on after reassembly?
No, but that wouldn't be a bad idea.
So I was unable to get the hose of the bayonet, but when I pulled the bayonet (yellow piece) out of the hole I noticed some dirt on in and in the opening. I cleaned off the dirt and used the hose and syringe to blow air and water (pumping the syringe numerous times) through the hole in the back of the lower unit and all seemed clear. Took it out today and it worked perfectly. By the way, my spedometer never completely stopped working. It was sluggish and wasn't tracking the right speed (showing slower than the actual speed.) All is working now.
@@richhusick3507 That is great news! Thanks for the feedback.
Great video
Thanks!
Thank you
Hi Doug, I don't see the link you mentioned that shows the type of syringe you used.
No need to reply, I found the name is luer slip syringe. Thank you.
How far in was the drill bit going?
I just went out and measured and it's 2 1/2 inches to the stop.
is this the same procedure for an outboard?
Great question! I’m not familiar with Outboards and cannot answer your question. I would assume there are similarities.
Where do I plug the hose into the speedo?
The speedometer line is connected to the top of the Bravo 3 in a tight area that's hard to see. You have to reach up with your hand and feel for the hose. It's on the upper back side of the Bravo 3. The hose is connected to the Bravo 3 with a plastic connector that twists in and out about a quarter of a turn. Untwist the connector clock-wise and connect your irrigation tube to it. Screw it back in place and begin the irrigation procedure. Follow this link to see what the connector looks like.
www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn10.bigcommerce.com%2Fs-0lagkiv8%2Fproducts%2F927%2Fimages%2F1944%2Fbravospeedo__91968.1417483620.500.659.jpg%3Fc%3D2&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marinediscounters.com%2Fmercruiser-bravo-iii-speedo-pick-up-815303t%2F&tbnid=X9d6qTuzFyQI6M&vet=12ahUKEwiJ9Oaix-zwAhXPPs0KHU1HAjYQMygCegUIARDuAQ..i&docid=jkppHbv2Zxc6tM&w=300&h=224&q=Bravo%203%20speedo%20hose%20connector&ved=2ahUKEwiJ9Oaix-zwAhXPPs0KHU1HAjYQMygCegUIARDuAQ
wow good job thank you
THANK YOU!
I was cleaning my today and I broke a drill bit in the hole :( any tips how to remove it without taking the lower unit apart? Thanks.
Were you using a power drill or your fingers to turn the bit? Its too late now, but try just your fingers next time. Can you push it out by applying a water stream or air stream from above? You may want to Google the question. It appears that others have done the same thing. One comment I found stated that you won't have access to the drill bit even if you take the lower unit apart. Bummer!
Doug STENSLOKKEN I was using my fingers but some how it just broke :( yeah sucks for me now. Might have to Google for some details.
thank you so much
Genius!!!
B
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Thank you