Volvo Engine Hours

[pigfarmer]

The engine hour display for my Volvo MD2040 disappears intermittently, but the counter still works / increases correctly - only I can’t see it! I’ve heard that this is a known problem but can anyone cast any more light on it? Your thoughts, comments and suggestions appreciated.

 

[AIDY]

yup a known problem of damp getting into it. solution is to bring it home and dry it out in the airing cupboard. or do as we do add an additional hour metre from either maplins or rs for about a tenner. wire it off the ignition or the alternator. ours is in the engine bay.

 

[TiggerToo]

yes, mine has the same problem. It is pain and particularly annoying given the price these things have. We have also had an additional hours meter installed in the companionway.

 

[Will_M]

echo the airing cupboard, it works....

I have also seen one which the owner thought they'd bypass the airing cupboard and go straight to the microwave!!!

I asked if he was on drugs…. Needless to say don’t try this method.

 

[pandroid]

Mine too

 

[oldsaltoz]

The real problem here is moisture getting inside. So dry it completely and seal it, what you use to seal it will depend on the location/s of the moisture entry point. some are as simple a spraying the whole thing with a pressure pack designed to seal printed circuit boards, its clear so you don't see it.

Avagoodweekend......

 

[philip_stevens]

following on from Oldsaltoz, a good sealer is Holts "Damp Start Autoplast" ignition sealer. Not as you would think, ether based to get it up and running, but a clear polythene type sealer that will work on any electrical component. It even makes a good "varnish" on wood.

You can use it on any electrical system and outboards, and as a test after spraying the ignition leads and distributor, I once tipped a bucket of water over my car engine while it was running (just started it so no heat) and it didn't falter.

DON'T use WD40 as an alternative. Once the solvent has evaporated, it leaves a sticky residue that attracts dust, that attracts moisture.