NickH wrote:
rpengr wrote:
Regarding the VDO cluster... it is true that lots of them have problems, but there are also lots of them that are working just fine (mine included). The Trim indicator is almost certainly a problem with the sending unit, so a new gage won't fix that. The Speedo on the VDO's has a paddlewheel type sensor. They are very accurate (within 1mph of GPS). I would check the paddlewheel on the transom and make sure it is not damaged or jammed, or broken wire. Since you found a boat with a well preserved interior (aka kept dry and protected from the elements), your VDO cluster may have many more years of service ahead of it.
Yeah, my speedo has a pickup tube, do you think it could be plugged or clogged? Is there any way to flush those out?
Is it possible to fix (or at least test) the trim sending unit?
Finally, did these boats have automatic bilge pumps? I turn on the dash switch and nothing happens, I'll check the fuses tonight.
Yes, the pitot tube could definitely be plugged or clogged. Disconnect the tube and blow backwards through the pitot tube and/or pick out the bottom hole with a small wire or paper clip. You should be able to hear and feel air coming through the hole. You can also blow into the tube towards the speedometer and get it to register 20-30mph with mouth pressure. (I don't know if the power needs to be turned on with that model, but most pitot tube speedometers use pressure only, not electrical).
The Trim sending units can be replaced, but it is a labor intensive job because the wiring passed through a waterproof plug in the transom unit. Then the new one is likely to fail in a few years because they live in the water. So many of us give up and do without the trim gage. They can be tested with an ohm meter (and therefore the cluster could be tested with a variable resistor). You could do a search here or on
http://www.iboats.com for more information on the trim sender.
Yes, they had an automatic float switch, and the instrument panel switch should turn on the pump in a manual mode. Four Winns used very small bilge pumps (500gpm), and most members here agree that you should replace it with at least an 1100gpm or 1250gpm with a good float switch. Some members recommend two larger bilge pumps. Search "Bilge Pump" for a number of previous discussions.
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"Knot Easy" 2000 Horizon 240 Volvo 5.7GS /SX
tow: 2017 Honda PILOT EXL-AWD
prev. boats:
'87 Chaparral 198CXL 4.3 OMC Cobra
'69 Jetstar 16ft Ski Boat, 115hp Yamaha
'68 Aluminum Jon Boat, 3hp Sears
'64 Water Wings
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. Great boat for a couple or small fam, we have loved ours since we got it. Lots of stuff to customize too (if you into that sorta thing). I've done a bit on mine, so if you ever need advice, ask away. Oh, except for tightening transom plate bolts, I'm still learning on that one (don't ask).
