175 Vmax HPDI Speedo never worked

[msobie64]

So, it's never really bothered me that since I bought the boat in 2015 the speedo never worked (always used GPS). Anyway I looked into how it's supposed to work and it seems there is a small hole on the bottom front of the lower unit that allows water to rush in and create "pressure" changes in a tube that runs from the motor to the speedo on the dash. I've read that this can get clogged and you can clean it with a small drill bit. I always thought there was just some small chips in the paint on the lower unit but after examination it looks to me the previous owner tried just that maybe snapped the bit off (see pic). Do I just leave this alone and forget about it or do I try to get this out? I mean I don't think it impacts how the motor runs. Am I on the right track here or do I have this all wrong?

Thoughts?

[Swarwick]

I really don't know the overall impact of a drill bit broken off in that hole, but it seems to be an odd way to try to fix a clog in a hole in any sort of motor. But I am not a mechanic so maybe this is normal protocol.

[REW]

MS,
Looks like a broken drill bit.

Just leave it alone and walk away from the motor mounted pitot tube.

Simply obtain an after market speedometer pitot tube and mount it on the lower edge of the hull of the boat and run the hose from that pitot tube to the speedometer and you will be good to go.

https://www.amazon.com/Appizz-Marine...3102293&sr=8-5

or, the kit:

https://www.amazon.com/Speedometer-U...102293&sr=8-12

Or black if you prefer:
https://www.amazon.com/Faria-Speedom...102293&sr=8-27

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Or you can install a fully integrated GPS dash mount speedometer:
https://www.amazon.com/Speedometer-S...102293&sr=8-52

[msobie64]

Thanks REW! That is what I figured. I don't want to risk doing any damage to the lower unit trying to get it out but at the same time didn't want to leave something in there that could be leaking water into the lower unit.

[REW]

MS,
Normally, on an outboard motor you don't have to worry about any water intrusion into the lower unit if the location is above the cavitation plate. The lower unit oil reservoir and gears and prop shaft are all below the cavitation plate on the lower unit.