Depth Finder Losing Bottom

ECR

ECR

Active member
Joined
Apr 9, 2021
Messages
41
Fluid Motion Model
R-25 Classic
Hull Identification Number
USFMLR2509G
Vessel Name
Scout
MMSI Number
338401869
Hello -

We have 2017 R25SC and the depth finder has been losing bottom at cruising speeds (10-12) and it recently starting losing depth in shallow waters as well - it either blinks or there are dashes.

I have read several post about the depth finder and needing to add RV anitifreeze or Propylene Glycol.

I removed the hockey puck cap off the transducer locater in the transom locker (starboard) and there is a very small amount of liquid in there but nearly dry.

My question is whether or not I should add Propylene Glycol to top off the transducer or not? We are relatively new boat owners so would appreciate any advice.

Cheers!
 
Short answer- yes
 
We had the same issue and were told by Ranger Tug customer service to add the pink RV/marine antifreeze to the transducer cup AND to overfill it a bit - just mop up the overflow when finished. Ours didn't look at all low, but doing what was suggested solved the problem. Easy fix!
 
Same issue and I haven't a clue...
(a) where to find transducer (2012 C26)
(b) what it looks like

/tmm
 
Thanks all - that solved the problem.

Depth readings are back to normal.

Thanks!
 
Scottwood, did RT tell you specifically to use pink? Do you know if the yellow coolant that is used in the diesel engines would work? Thanks
 
Next, you need to determine why the fluid was low. Is it leaking out around the base of the transducer cup? If so, your current fix is short term and the problem will return. The remedy is to remove the cup, clean off all of the old sealant, clean the mounting area, reseal and remount. This had to be done on my 2019 R29-CB when it was a year old.
 
Florida_Cruiser":2ng24li6 said:
Next, you need to determine why the fluid was low. Is it leaking out around the base of the transducer cup? If so, your current fix is short term and the problem will return. The remedy is to remove the cup, clean off all of the old sealant, clean the mounting area, reseal and remount. This had to be done on my 2019 R29-CB when it was a year old.
Click to expand...

Before following the good advise of Florida cruiser I would inspect the cup lid where the transducer is mounted. There should be an o-ring installed. If this ring is damaged or not there at all. The cup will loose a small amount of Propylene glycol over time and the results is what you experienced. The Factory tends to forget this ring from time to time. So this should be your first check when you find the level low. In all the times that I have checked a Ranger or Cutwaters transducer cup for low fluid I have found that there is no O-ring. I always kept a couple spares. The o-ring through Ranger Tug is around 20.00+/-.

Joan and Jim":2ng24li6 said:
Scottwood, did RT tell you specifically to use pink? Do you know if the yellow coolant that is used in the diesel engines would work? Thanks
Click to expand...

Use RV pink -50 or -100 when filling. If you are on the water and find that it is not working correctly because of a low fluid level you can just pour water in it and that will work too. The main reason for using the RV antifreeze is so you don't have to worry about the liquid freezing in the winter. If you use water don't forget to remove it when you get into port and put antifreeze in there.
 
Looks like I have to take the dive into the transom seat locker to check the transducer on my 2012 R27. How exactly does one remove the transducer from the cup? I'm looking to spend as little time cursing and struggling upside down as possible. Does the transducer unscrew? Is it a twist lock? Is there a lock tab of sorts? Does it just need to be pulled up and out? Thanks in advance. Gary
 
Hello -

For my issue it was pretty simple. I just removed the hockey puck cap (quarter turn to the left as I recall) and then topped it off.

Been fine ever since.

Eric
 
I had this issue recently. Added RV pink antifreeze as other posts had advised and it is working fine now. BUT . . .

The O-ring on the cup was pinched in one spot and the shape seems irregular. I got it back into place and closed up fine, but I would rather replace it to make sure it holds a good seal. Does anyone know of a source for replacement now that the factory is out of the spare parts business? I haven’t found anything on Garmin’s site (not surprising). Should there be an OEM replacement part? Or is this one of those items where I have to find a good parts place, take it in, and see if they can match it?

Gini
 
Gayle's Faerie Before you go looking in the Stern for the P-87 (?) suggest that you look under the head sink, pull out the false floor and that is where I found mine on my 2011 RT-27. I had been looking for a spot to relocate and one suggestion was under the shower. Dug into that space and found the sender already there (not sure if Factory located there or a prior owner) refilled with antifreeze and works great,
Only been aground twice:
Bill
 
For the transducer on a 2022 R31, CB, LE I was told the transducer is under the refrigerator, before pulling the refrigerator, I would like to verify the location of the transducer and if not there where is the transducer located.
 
I recommend you ignore the word "pink" when looking for antifreeze for the transducer cup. When I find -100 degree or - 200 degree pure propylene glycol ( without alcohol) it is more blue or blue green than the stuff that is dyed pink. Most of the "pink" stuff that I find here in the Midwest has alcohol in it and is rated at -50 or -75 degrees.
 
Okay, I'm totally baffled now. Took the rear seat off and removed the storage shelf and LPG tank/box combo. Got good access and could see both bilge areas port and starboard. Port had the thruster looking nice and clean and no corrosion. On starboard I could just make out half of the Airmar Model P79. So far good. I reached down and the top cap seemed a bit loose so off it came with the sensor wire going thru it. However, I'm not seeing any kind of fluid anywhere. In fact, whatever is under the cap is SOLID with the signal wire embedded in it. I tried scratching the top but its not soft, almost feels like a fine fossilized sponge but hard. Do I have a different model that doesn't use fluid? I tried pulling up on the signal wire to see if something would come out, but nothing. Picture links below...

The Airmar in situ: https://share.icloud.com/photos/08b-ULe_f1JgX_gMhGrdgC-bA

Cap off, no liquid: https://share.icloud.com/photos/066YI2ZsknmcRU1plftM8RGvQ

Underside of cap: https://share.icloud.com/photos/028b7OPauBls5GW23SHo6vj4w

Sideview of Airmar: https://share.icloud.com/photos/01d7ejs1z4SwjKKXz65wPUHSw


Sideview of hard interior with signal wire embedded: https://share.icloud.com/photos/09d1uRvvNTT4B88gjevqB8R-Q

All that said, I still get depth readings sitting at the dock. It just seems to wig out occassionally under way.
 
Well, you have managed to disassemble (break) the transducer.
You have what appears to be the transducer glued directly to the bottom of the hull…there is no cup in that installation.
Trying to remove the transducer has separated the top of the body somehow. Surprised it’s still working.
Here is how the assembly should look: https://d2azkkbwtcklm1.cloudfront.net/u ... 1-15-1.pdf
 
Huh! Yea I just found that YouTube video of an Airmar install and you are right, there is no mounting flange, the transducer is mounted directly to the hull. Not sure if that was a FM install or a change by previous owner but that's irrelevant at this point. I don't believe I broke anything either. That top came off pretty easy and can be returned to its place.

In the first photo you can see how close the transducer is mounted to the drain tube for that section of the bilge. There was a lot of dirt and gunk wedged between the transducer and the tube that I cleaned out. I wonder if that could have affected anything since the transducer is exposed? Will have to test that out on an expedition. Oh and there was about an inch of water in the bilge that I vacuumed out. Maybe that did something too?
 
Any kind of air gap between the transducer and the water you are floating in will cause problems. If the water in the bilge was filling a void underneath the transducer and you removed the water, it would definitely affect the readings.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
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