View Full Version : LMS 350A cloudy
brianj
05-07-2002, 07:32 PM
I have a depth finder that has developed a cloudy appearance on the viewing screen. It is on the inside and I don't see a way to get it off. I called Lowrance and I could send it in and they would fix it for $240. The unit works fine, it is just a little cloudy, so I have a hard time paying them that much. Has anyone ever taken the screen off one of these? If so, any pointers you would care to pass along?
Dutchman
05-07-2002, 08:06 PM
If it's moisture it's not a good sign, the moisture will cause problems later on. Try turning on the back light and adjusting the contrast to see if it'll help. Both of my 350's started blacking out on hot days and I sent them in. Lowrance returned them quickly(actually new units) and I have not had a problem since. It's spendy to fix them, but Lowrance will allow you to upgrade to another model, and trade yours in. Either way it's a cash hole in the wallet. Good luck...
" Fishing is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope "
brianj
05-08-2002, 03:33 AM
Dutchman,
Thanks for the reply. What it appears to be is a flaking of a coating on the screen itself. I don't know if UV is the cause of this or not. When I called the company and talked about this they recomended McQuires Miracle Glaze to remove it. However, after trying that, I realized it is on the interior side of the screen. If I could get to the inside of the screen I believe the recommened method of cleaning would work. Thanks for the info.
minneman
05-08-2002, 05:27 AM
I have the same problem, only thing, I sent the unit in 2 yrs ago for the exact same problem, for the amount you pay them to fix it should last, since there is no warrenty, Im thinking about tearing into it to clean it, its not worth 240$ for repair. now if they upgrade you to a 15 then it would be worth it!
same problems
05-08-2002, 06:03 AM
I buffed mine off with a glass compound. A LOT OF WORK!
Mike A
05-08-2002, 08:05 AM
I had this as well. I have been told that if you use glass cleaner that contains ammonia ( which probably most do ) this causes the graying. I have parked my old 350A for now and put Pinpoint 7520's on my new boat.
Kind of anxious to see how they will compare to the 350A.
Mike, If you have shelved your 350A, do you have a 5 channel GPS receiver that you no longer need?
Fishoil
05-08-2002, 10:57 AM
I had the same problem with a Global Map 2000, it looked like it was on the inside. It even appeared as if moisture had run down the inside of the screen. It turned out to be on the outside. I polished it with a soft cloth, Meguiar's #17, and LOTS of elbow grease. Give it a try, it may be on the outside. I've still got the unit after 3 years and it has remained clear.
Captjoe
05-08-2002, 11:00 AM
Had the same problem with Lowrance Global Nav II. The glass polish is an answer and did work very well -- not that much work -- but does require a little patience.
Mike A
05-08-2002, 11:37 AM
My GPS stayed with my old boat since I had it very nicely done however the guy that bought my old boat had a 350A and I do think he still has the GPS unit you are looking for. I can contact him tonight and see if he's got it and willing to sell.
buyer
05-08-2002, 11:46 AM
How about the 350A, is it for sale? You know, since it's been selved and all.
Mike A
05-08-2002, 12:07 PM
I will sell it to anyone but here's the deal. In my last tournament last fall the sonar quit working. The GPS works fine and rebooting did not get the sonar to come back so I would have had to send it in and get it fixed but I thought a couple hundred bucks to spend on repair was not worth the cost.
Lowrance would most likely give me a certificate to get an X-15 but I got a good deal on 2 - 7520 Pinpoints so I went that route. I have been out fishing with a guy that has an X-15 and I wasn't really impressed with it. Hopefully the 7520's will be my ticket.
Andy K
05-08-2002, 12:13 PM
Wow, mine has started blacking out on hot summer days too. I guess I'm not the only one with this problem.
buyer
05-08-2002, 12:18 PM
well if you do sell it, how much?
daren thorsell
05-08-2002, 01:19 PM
where can i buy mcquires miracle glaze.my global map 2000 has a scrated outside lens.thanks.
brianj
05-08-2002, 08:14 PM
I purchased my Mcquires Miracle glaze at Napa.
Mike A
05-09-2002, 07:09 AM
Bret
I stopped over to his house last night. He still has it and will sell the GPS.
His name is Tim at 701-258-4815. He is normally home after 5pm CST.
If you want to email me your phone number I can have him call you.
My email is mbanderson5@bis.midco.net
Silentsixty
05-09-2002, 09:15 AM
If you can't find it at NAPA, try your local Harley shop. Use it for scratches on face shields and fairings.
Gilligan
05-09-2002, 09:29 AM
Gps or Sonar are like your rifle scope or binoculars. If you get into the inside (or if the seal is now leaking) you will loose the nitrogen. Pulling it apart is not an option except by Lowrance or a certified repair person. Once apart it will need to be repacked with nitrogen. If it is fogging inside firing up the backlite as previously mentioned may help but only a tempory fix. I lost several Eagle sonars(made by Lowrance) with faulty seals. They contend that excessive heat can cause seals to premateurly fail. I never leave mine on boat unless its in use. Leaving a boat cover on will push temps out of sight.