VOLVO 2002 HOURS RUNOMETER

[SABREMAN]

I have an `Hours run` counter fitted to the boat which has never been connected ( the terminals have no scratch marks on them) and having bench tested it to check it works I would now like to connect it to the engine to be a bit more than just a useless ornament. Question is, how?
The standard wiring diagram from the Volvo workshop manual shows three items at the bottom of the diagram which I assume to be, from the left, the battery master switch, the starter motor and the alternator. Would it work if I connect to the B+ and B- on the back of the alternator and therefore only run when the engine is running, as it should, or am I missing something?
Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[Cloven]

I have one of these meters and it is just directly connected to the engine ignition switch - ie when the engine is started, the meter runs, when it stops it doesn't. It is not connected directly to the engine at all.

 

[ebbtide]

Bin it and fit a vibration model - nothing to go wrong. Added one to my last Volvo and it was accurate to within a minute!

 

[MoodySabre]

Don't bin it - just connect it to the ignition switch as a previous forumite has said. Mine is mounted next to the ignition switch so it's easy peasy. Had to replace my original Volvo one this year so I know it's easy cos I did it.

 

[Blue5]

Does connecting it to the ignition not just record hours the ignition switch is on as opposed to the engine running. I ask this as I have an hours meter ready to fit but was told it needs connecting to the alternator but have yet to work out a route to the engine from nav table where I wanted to mount the meter

 

[oldharry]

Alternators may be connected directly to the battery as they are in cars. Connect it to the engine instrumentation circuit which comes on when the ignition is on. Yes it does measure the time the ign switch is on, but the ign should be off when the engine is stopped anyway.

And Moodysabre - he's only fitting it 'cos he's got one already

 

[MoodySabre]

Oldharry has made the point - engine running, ignition on. Engine off, ignition off.

Does it matter where it is? I use mine for calculating fuel level given that I know the consumption rate which I recheck every fill up (3 or 4 a year!). Also helps to check service interval for filters etc.

Handy for the above. My replacement only cost £12 from Conrad Electronics plus the same again in postage for a 2 ounce item /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[SABREMAN]

Many thanks for all the tips and methinks I'll go for the ignition switch option. Just have to get into the wiring now!!