Another speedometer question

[dicor]

I did a search and could not find the answer to my specific question.
I removed the dashboard on my 98 270DA/BravoIII to have it refinished. While there I removed the plastic tube attached to the back of the speedometer gauge and blew into it and couldn't. It's clogged. Can I blow some compressed air down that tube to clear the blockage without damaging anything? I'm assuming it would be OK but would like to make sure.

 

[paulswagelock]

I did a search and could not find the answer to my specific question.
I removed the dashboard on my 98 270DA/BravoIII to have it refinished. While there I removed the plastic tube attached to the back of the speedometer gauge and blew into it and couldn't. It's clogged. Can I blow some compressed air down that tube to clear the blockage without damaging anything? I'm assuming it would be OK but would like to make sure.

Yes, you can use compressed air, but you want to use reasonable pressure (40-50psi) and find a small adaptor to fit inside the tubing. This week I used my 12v bicycle pump to blow out my speedometer line - worked perfect.

 

[Gunn]

It may not be clogged just because you couldn't blow through it. It's a small tube with a long length and it's hard to get enough pressure to actually be able to blow through it. Your idea of compressed air is good. I just fixed mine (speedo didn't work when I purchased the boat). Blew compressed air from the helm. I think I had the compressor set to 80psi at the time. I could hear air coming out the port sterndrive unit. Turns out the speedo fitting was missing. But at least now I know it's not clogged.