Replacement of Teleflex Digital Speedo to Analog (How to)

[newwakesurfer]

Just finished up the new project: replacing my dead digital speedometer (2000-2003 model years) with a analog Teleflex speedometer (0-50 MPH).

What you need:
flat head screw driver
25' of new pitot tubing (Teleflex brand - $9.99 at West Marine)
1/8" x 1/8" nylon hose barb coupling
scissor
small crescent wrench
crimper
2 female wire connectors
Teleflex Premier Pro Series gauge - PN 84510K (West Marine - $119.40 MFG number 84510)


Steps: remove the 5 screws to open up the dash on the helm. Remove the speedometer wiring harness from the current one (gray covered cable - 4 wires). Remove the two nuts holding gauge bracket. Remove dead digital speedo and replace with new pro series gauge. Remove the following two wires from the existing wiring harness: (black - ground & dark blue-gauge light). Crimp new wire connectors to these to wires and connect to the only two wire prongs on the back of the new analog gauge.

Open up the engine hatch and crawl around, bang a knee, swear a few times and get wayyyyy in the back of the transom. Follow either pitot tube from the bottom transom up to a black rectangular box that is mounted to the bottom area of the transom, right behind the engine and below the air intakes. This is the Speedometer Electric Module. Cut either pitot tube from the connection to the Speedometer Electric Module (don't cut both tubes, water will drain into boat from the unused tube if you disconnect), and use a 1/8" poly barb connector to splice in new pitot tubing (use a lighter or match to heat up the end so it goes all the way over the hose barb fitting). Run the new tubing along the starboard side/cable clipping as you go and up thru the hole in the dash. Connect pitot tubing to the new gauge's hose barb. Re-assemble the dash and take it out for a test run.

Time: less than 1 hrs - not including trip to the store for supplies.

Note: My Tach is still operational, so I have not replaced it yet. However, have it ordered (currently backordered) thru Boaters World - $96.99 - Part Number 62724P). On the tach, all you have to do is remove and reinstall - it will use the existing tach harness.

[Rick]

RE: Replacement of Teleflex Digital Speedo to Analog (How to

Nice. I think I like it better than the Faria update I did on my 2000.

[bscott]

RE: Replacement of Teleflex Digital Speedo to Analog (How to

That does look good. Can you calibrate the speedo? Have you compared it to gps yet?

[newwakesurfer]

Thanks - yes, there are two adjustment screws on the back. I am waiting from my ski buddy to show up with his handheld GPS to calibrate the speedo, if needed. I am hoping that since I am replacing a Teleflex gauge with a Teleflex gauge with the existing Teleflex pitot tube that there won't be much adjustment needed - I'll post later on the GPS results.

[jmo]

newwakesurfer,

So I'm about to embark on the same changeover you did as I've had it with the teleflex speedo that is impossible to read (it has gotten worse over time) - how come you only tap into one of the pitot tubes? Does that mean that your effectively only using one pitot static tube and hence when your turning the speed displayed will not be correct?

Thanks,

JMO

[jeclarke]

jmo,

I'm happy you resurrected this thread. I just purchased a 2001 SN 196 and have been reading about problems with the tach, speedo and keypad. My tach and speedo still work but I'm anticipating the need to replace them in the future. I'm going to use the winter to plan such changes.

Your question about only 1 pitot tube is a good one.

The dealer I purchased the boat from told me that they could replace the tach and speedo with Faria gauges for about $400. The replacement speedo would require a paddlewheel and drilling a hole thru the hull. I guess this means the pitot tube are no longer used? Why did you go with Teleflex and not the Faria option?

thanks

[Hlymons]

I did the swap a few years ago and if I had to do it over I would just put in Perfect Pass. With the new GPS it's so easy. I wasted $ by first doing the swap and then going to PP.

[jmo]

jmo,

Why did you go with Teleflex and not the Faria option?

thanks

Well, I haven't purchased anything yet, but based on my reading replacing it with a teleflex analog seems to be the cheapest, and the simplest from an install perspective (hence I can do it myself) since you just reuse the existing pitot static tubes. I like the look of it as well.

I'm going to call Teleflex tomorrow to see if they still have the model newwakesurfer used (doesn't seem to come up on west marine's website) and call the CC dealer in NH to see what they recommend.

I'll report back on this thread as I make some more headway.

JMO

[jeclarke]

jmo,

I'm interested in hearing what you find out. I did find the Teleflex part numbers on their website, so the implication is that they are still available.

Please keep us informed.

[bscott]

The Teleflex speedo and tach are special order. Just call West Marine with the part numbers and they will order them for you. Either way, Teleflex or Faria, is really not too difficult to install. The Faria option is less expensive, but you have to drill a hole. With the Teleflex, you have to run a tube from the pitot tube in the back to the dash. If you have PP installed, then it is even easier with the Faria.

[newwakesurfer]

Hey JMO,

yes, you have the choice of picking either pitot tube to plug into. I have not noticed any difference in speed reading while turning the boat, in fact my other boats throughout the years had only one pitot tube.

Since I posted this thread, my digital tach finally went out - it was also easy to replace. I was wrong originally, the wiring harness does not match up, but it was easy to pull the wires out and connect to the new gauge.

good luck

wakesurfer

[migs]

that first pic needs to be in the calendar...NICE!

[jeclarke]

on a model year 2001 ski nautique does the steering wheel need to come off before the dash can be removed to get to the gauges? If so what is required to take the wheel off?

thanks

[newwakesurfer]

yes, pop the logo plate off the center of the steering wheel and this is a 1/2" or 3/4" nut you have to loosen, and then pull off the steering wheel. The helm plastic piece can then be taken fully off to access all the guages.

good luck

don

[Teleman]

It sounds like there is a member that fixes the digital gauges. If you are interested, I will get his name and he might be able to fix the digital gauge. Anyhow, the easy part is the gauge access. The hard part is the pitot tube access. Also, I just replaced mine with the analog gauge and somewhat disappointed with the accuracy of the gauge. It is a Teleflex 0-50 style.