How to test Speedo Gauge Help Needed

[LennyB]

I have a 2004 Ranger 185VS. The speedometer gauge on the dash does not work. I believe it can be tested by connecting a tube to where the tube from the water pickup connects and then blowing compressed air in it to see if the needle moves. Is that true and if so how much air PSI should I use? If not is there another way to determine if its the gauge or blockage prior to the gauge. Thanks

[Riccochet]

Have you checked the pickup hole on the lower unit to make sure it's not clogged with crap? Mine is always clogged with wood debris. I gave up on cleaning it out and just use my graphs for GPS speed.

[catch5]

Even if you get it fixed, it won’t be accurate.

[pavi69]

You can get a free app for you phone that is as accurate as a GPS

[gdi]

I have a 2004 Ranger 185VS. The speedometer gauge on the dash does not work. I believe it can be tested by connecting a tube to where the tube from the water pickup connects and then blowing compressed air in it to see if the needle moves. Is that true and if so how much air PSI should I use? If not is there another way to determine if its the gauge or blockage prior to the gauge. Thanks

Yes you can. Disconnect it and use very low pressure doesn't take much. You can also pull it out if the dash and unhook it there and blow out the line that way. I have done this to mine more than once.

[DrewFlu33]

Sounds like you've got your answer, just be aware that as soon as you get it working again it will suck up something else and stop. I quit chasing mine. They sell GPS speed gauges if you want to use an in-dash gauge, though everyone I know has a fish finder that gives GPS speed...way more accurate than the style you're working with.

[gdi]

It's not a big deal. Mine is an 05 and have done it maybe 4 times.

[lpugh]

Apply regulated air pressure to the gauge using the nubers below:

30 mph the pressure is 13.02 psi
45 mph 29.3 psi
60 mph 52.1 psi
70 mph 70.9 psi
80 mph 92.6 psi

[jarhead175]

You can get a free app for you phone that is as accurate as a GPS

This^^^^ no need for a speedo their not accurate anyway.

[Ranger VX]

Mine is with in +- 2-3 mph to my GPS so I like to have it working. I have to drill out the wood that plugs up the hole in the lower unit from time to time. A small drill bit used backwards will clean it out. Mine is a 2009 188vx but motor is a 2016 175 4 stroke Yammy.

[1Holeshot]

You can get a free app for you phone that is as accurate as a GPS

^
This. I have one and and it works great. Wanted the one with speed shown in mph and tenths so paid the $3.99 for the additional features.

Depending on speed my speedometer will vary from 0 to +4 mph compared to GPS.

Almost every boat speedometer ( stock ones ) I have seen are off on the high side from which came the expression " happy speedometer ". Of course no one complains that their boat is not as fast as the speedometer reads.