Engine Hour Meter

[jakeroyd]

Found this meter
http://www.northerntooluk.com/products.a...ines+%26+Motors
I have written off to find out if it works on diesels.
Anybody have any experience/opinions on it ?

 

[Jonny_H]

The hour counter looks like a standard Curtis one. The will work with any engine (or any electrical supply come to that) - hook it up to the output on the alternator (or the ignition) and it will count whenever it has power supplied to it. You could hook it up to a bilge pump if you want and it will count the hours the bilge pump has run for.

Jonny

 

[NigelBirch]

Can you set the number of hours that it starts counting from? My existing counter has got a broken connector on the back so I'd like to replace but carry forward my existing number of hours....

 

[MoodySabre]

I got one like that from Conrad electronics (Can't find it on website now). It replaced my Volvo one which died. It is housed next to the ignition and just piggy backs off the ignition switch. When ignition switched on it runs. Same as engine hours (unless you have ignition on for some other reason).

 

[Cloven]

We got a very simple one from eBay - just connects to the ignition. When the engine is switched on it runs. Simple - fule type is irrelevant

 

[VicS]

[ QUOTE ]
hook it up to the output on the alternator

[/ QUOTE ] No that will be no good because the alternator is connected directly to the battery, except when the isolator switch is open, so it will run all the time if connected there.

The switched side of the "ignition switch" is the place to connect to, although if the engine is not stopped by the switch it will run until the switch is turned off. (Never very long if there are audible warnings fitted to oil or alternator warning lights!) This assumes it is a simple timer of course.

 

[Billjratt]

Just have to leave it connected to a battery for the number of hours already logged I guess.

 

[MoodySabre]

[ QUOTE ]
Just have to leave it connected to a battery for the number of hours already logged I guess.

[/ QUOTE ]

My old one had done 2700 hours so that would be three and a half months!

 

[jakeroyd]

Thanks all , It is clear now. I must connecte it to the switched side of the on switch.

 

[VicS]

[ QUOTE ]
My old one had done 2700 hours so that would be three and a half months!

[/ QUOTE ] So? you could quite easily do that before fitting it. 112 days 12hours to be more precise though.

 

[Billjratt]

I've just ordered one, so my 1978 perkins will start from zero, probably next week. Cheaper than injectors, rings and valves don't you think? I wonder how the log will compare once real hours are available...

 

[Billjratt]

It arrived yesterday, and looks a bit disappointing. There is no bezel and the moulding is too large to fit a standard one from another instrument, so it got a coat of silver hammerite instead. Ho hum - you get what you pay for I suppose.