04 smartcraft thru hull depth/water temp sensor

SAshton

Member
Nov 30, 2007
416
somerset, mass
Boat Info
2004 280 Sundancer
Engines
Twin 4.3 w/A1 drives
Just bought the boat and depth won't read and -31 water temp. The sensor I have is #888828-1 the new number says 79-8m0075630. It's almost 300.00. I hate to buy it and it not work. Do you need sealant when you install new sensor? Anyone have same issues?
 
You wont need any sealant. The transducer unscrews out of a collar that is sealed in the hull. Its as simple as removing the old one and installing the new one. The dealer changed mine while the boat was in the water but be careful if you choose to do that. They are pricey but it is your only option as it is a custom transducer. This is a common problem with these transducers. You may want to go in to SC and make sure the sensor is turned off on the port TACH and turned on for the Starboard TACH. It is probably the ducer though. Check online resources for lower prices.
 
I did that. Only shows on rt side tach. Lowest I found was 260 ish. I tried unplugging and still nothing. Does your work fine now?
 
I did that. Only shows on rt side tach. Lowest I found was 260 ish. I tried unplugging and still nothing. Does your work fine now?

Mine worked perfectly as soon as they replaced it. Luckily my dealer had a "loaner" they plugged in to the engine harness to test and make sure the ducer was the problem. It was so they replaced it. I had just bought the boat so they covered it and I didn't have to do it myself. As it said it is highly likely the transducer as it has been brought up dozens of times here with the exact same symptoms you describe. Luckily it is an easy change, except for the cost.
 
Mine didn't work on Systemview. It was hard to swallow $300 for water temp. I called Airmar and got some details on which wires to test from the transducer and expected ohm readings. Everything tested out perfect. I checked all settings in system view and everything seemed correct. When I purchased my vesselview 7, I gave in and purchased a new transducer. I decided to try the vesselview 7 before swapping out the transducer and my temp now works perfect. Unfortunately, I opened the bag for the new transducer and was unable to return it. The one I have is depth speed and temp all in one. It will work with what you have, and I could make you a pretty good deal on it, but it may be slightly less straightforward than the simple swap of the correct unit.
 
Thanks. That is superceded by the number i typed now so it must be correct.
 
Thanks. That is superceded by the number i typed now so it must be correct.

Yeah, part numbers seem to change on this Merc stuff constantly. The newer ones are better I believe so you should be good to go after changing it.
 
I hope so. Wish I had one to try before I risk throwing 300 in the drink

You can always sell it on ebay for a minor loss if it does not work out. I do feel like there is a high likelihood that is your problem. Not just because mine needed replaced but like I said before, it has come up a number of times here. This is a common issue.
 
Just bought the boat and depth won't read and -31 water temp. The sensor I have is #888828-1 the new number says 79-8m0075630. It's almost 300.00. I hate to buy it and it not work. Do you need sealant when you install new sensor? Anyone have same issues?

Similar issue except depth works and water temp says 150. I'll replace when depth stops working too.
 
My 2007 aj has the same issue. -31 degrees and no depth. So change the transducer does the trick? I have a Garmin chart plotter/fish finder so I get the readings anyway but I do like a backup.
 
Is this the same part for all Sundancers? Mine states water is -29.
 
Most likely but on starboard engine near oil filter you can see the harness plug and cable should be all ravelled up in a bunch with a part number tag. That will be an old number but type in a merc parts store and it will be cross referenced.
 
Thanks for the info. Maybe the issue is that I am missing the starboard engine. (Just had to say this)
 
I am using petit hydrocoat on bottom. Should I paint new transducer when I get one?
 

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