richardsnowstar
Well-Known Member
I currently have an engine hours meter that works on vibration and I would like to replace it with an electric one. Can anyone tell me what I would connect the meter to?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Connecting Engine hours meter
- Thread starter richardsnowstar
- Start date
VicS
Well-Known Member
They are commonly just just hour counters that are connected run when the "ignition switch" is on. So to the terminal on the switch that is energised when the switch is in the normal "run" position
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FullCircle
Well-Known Member
Top tip: I fitted an engine hours meter when my Yanmar panel went wrong.
I left it connected to a 12v battery for about 3 weeks until the hours counter equalled my log reading, then I still know when to service the engine and top up the fuel.
As Vic says, I took a feed from the live side of the ignition switch. You can do that easily by putting a multimeter on each terminal of the ignition switch with the ignition switched on, and getting a 12 volt (or slightly more|) reading. Make sure that when the switch is off, the voltage reading goes to zero.
Mine looks a bit like this one
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Hour-...at-Truck-/281158402336?_trksid=p2054897.l4276
I left it connected to a 12v battery for about 3 weeks until the hours counter equalled my log reading, then I still know when to service the engine and top up the fuel.
As Vic says, I took a feed from the live side of the ignition switch. You can do that easily by putting a multimeter on each terminal of the ignition switch with the ignition switched on, and getting a 12 volt (or slightly more|) reading. Make sure that when the switch is off, the voltage reading goes to zero.
Mine looks a bit like this one
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Hour-...at-Truck-/281158402336?_trksid=p2054897.l4276
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Plevier
Well-Known Member
I fitted one in the engine bay. Wired it to D+/61 on the alternator, easier than running a wire from the power switch. Only works when engine running and alternator outputting.
Billjratt
Well-Known Member
D+ /61 will remain live if you forget to turn the key off after pulling the strangler. Run it from the "W" terminal through a diode, then it will only increment when the alternator is charging.
Plevier
Well-Known Member
It doesn't go down to 0V but it goes low enough for the meter not to run, about 3V I think.
If it didn't go quite low the no charge warning light wouldn't come on. In most cases the light is all that is exciting that terminal, although some engines have a resistor as well.
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richardsnowstar
Well-Known Member
Thanks for all the advice. I will check out the simplest connection point.
