Tri-Data failure

Agriman · Post by **Agriman** » July 1st, 2019, 3:43 pm

The Tri-Data speed and mileage log stopped working this weekend on our 350 Mariner. Depth gauge works fine but speed and distance log shows zero. I'm thinking there must be something blocking the paddle wheel. Does anyone know the location of this wheel? I was hoping I could try to brush it when anchored out next but do not know its location.
Thanks for any suggestions other then lifting out of the water.

Post by **Viper** » July 1st, 2019, 9:36 pm

Locate the transducer in side first, then you'll have a general idea before taking the plunge. I say this assuming you have an in hull unit and not a transom mounted one which is not ideal for an inboard application. look in the engine compartment and under any hatches just forward of that in the salon. If it's a multi-function ducer, it's likely the paddle wheel is fouled. If it's a standalone speed ducer, follow the cable and see where the ducer hooks up to.

What other electronics and their models do you have on board? This helps determine how the ducer is hooked up and may help in the diagnosis if it's more than just a fouled paddle wheel. I suspect the ducer is hooked up to a DSM and then the data branches off from there to other devices. I'm assuming it's not a NMEA 2000 unit, do you know if it's hooked up to a NMEA 0183 or Seatalk network?

Agriman · Post by **Agriman** » July 2nd, 2019, 11:45 am

Good idea. I'll have a look in the engine compartment and go from there. All other function of the unit work plus the water had a lot of debris in it so I think its a fouled wheel.

Post by **waybomb** » July 2nd, 2019, 6:36 pm

The wheel module may be removable from the inside. If you see a pin going through a nut like device on top, pull the pin and unscrew the nut.You may even find the dummy plug nearby on a short cable.
If no dummy plug, have somebody close by to put their hand over the hole while you clean the wheel.

Post by **Viper** » July 3rd, 2019, 12:06 pm

waybomb wrote:Qr Bbpost The wheel module may be removable from the inside. If you see a pin going through a nut like device on top, pull the pin and unscrew the nut.You may even find the dummy plug nearby on a short cable.
If no dummy plug, have somebody close by to put their hand over the hole while you clean the wheel.

Good call Fred, I forgot about that. :down:

Agriman · Post by **Agriman** » July 3rd, 2019, 12:26 pm

Wow, thanks Fred, I always wondered what that tube shaped plug on a cable was for. Does the wheel simply pop out after removing the pin and nut? Is there a gasket or o-ring that might need replacement? I'm worried I should wait until the boat gets pulled out.

bud37 · Post by **bud37** » July 3rd, 2019, 8:10 pm

Agriman wrote:Qr Bbpost Wow, thanks Fred, I always wondered what that tube shaped plug on a cable was for. Does the wheel simply pop out after removing the pin and nut? Is there a gasket or o-ring that might need replacement? I'm worried I should wait until the boat gets pulled out.

There are some of videos on u tube of how to get that thing apart and plug the tube , clean and put back together......if yours is where mine is the access with both hands will be the issue......good luck man...

Post by **Viper** » July 3rd, 2019, 10:16 pm

When you pull out the ducer element, there is a valve inside the housing that will close to minimize the amount of water that comes in. It's not completely water proof but it's good enough to give you time to insert the blank so you can take time to clean the paddle.

There should be a couple of o-rings on the blank. You could use those to replace the ones on the ducer if you have to.

Tri-Data failure

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