Hour meter

heyketz

Cadet
Joined
Oct 5, 2011
Messages
14
I have a Mercruiser 120 in a 16' Fiberform. The hour meter counts whenever the key is on and I would like it to count only when the motor in running. How would I wire the hour meter to count only when the motor is running?
Thanks
 

MolsonCanadian

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 9, 2010
Messages
199
Re: Hour meter

Wire whatever you want to run when you're engine is off to a switch. (Radio, etc)
 

thumpar

Admiral
Joined
Jun 21, 2007
Messages
6,138
Re: Hour meter

Why would you leave the key on without the engine running. It can damage the ignition. If you need to run accessories just setup a switch for them. I set mine up with a second battery that runs everything but the engine, gauges and trim. There is a master switch I turn on to run everything else.
 

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: Hour meter

Install an oil pressure switch that comes on at 3-5 psi. With an ignition wire for power to the switch, and from the switch a wire to the hour meter.

I merged your two posts together, please don't post the same question in two forums.
 

Bt Doctur

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Aug 29, 2004
Messages
19,093
Re: Hour meter

The hour meter runs when the engine runs, the engine runs because the key is on.
What am i missing here??????
 

MarkSee

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Sep 10, 2010
Messages
1,172
Re: Hour meter

The hour meter runs when the engine runs, the engine runs because the key is on.
What am i missing here??????

Apparently the OP seems to be leaving his key in the "on" position (but engine not running) which is causing the hour meter to log time and he wants it to be logging time only if the engine is actually "running".

Mark
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
70,468
Re: Hour meter

Apparently the OP seems to be leaving his key in the "on" position (but engine not running) which is causing the hour meter to log time and he wants it to be logging time only if the engine is actually "running".

Mark

Ayuh,... Pretty simple,................... turn the key Off....
 

thumpar

Admiral
Joined
Jun 21, 2007
Messages
6,138
Re: Hour meter

I am guessing that he is leaving the ignition on to run accessories while burning up the points.
 

achris

More fish than mountain goat
Joined
May 19, 2004
Messages
27,468
Re: Hour meter

Engine electrics should be for just that, engine electrics... Accessories should be run through a completley seperate circuit and fuses panel...

Chris.........
 

MarkSee

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Sep 10, 2010
Messages
1,172
Re: Hour meter

Ayuh,... Pretty simple,................... turn the key Off....

Yea, we all know that; we're just not sure why/what the OP needs the key on for.

My 2001 Sea Ray actually has an 'accessory' position that the key needs to be in to turn the radio on if the engine is off yet all other mechanical systems seem to operate as long as the battery switch is "on". Not sure if that is "normal" or not for 27 foot cruiser type boats.

Mark
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
70,468
Re: Hour meter

Yea, we all know that; we're just not sure why/what the OP needs the key on for.

My 2001 Sea Ray actually has an 'accessory' position that the key needs to be in to turn the radio on if the engine is off yet all other mechanical systems seem to operate as long as the battery switch is "on". Not sure if that is "normal" or not for 27 foot cruiser type boats.

Mark

Ayuh,.... That switch is a couple bucks more than the switch without the accessory position.....

I think it's 1 of those carry-over habits of Car drivers in boats,... ;)

My radio is on another circuit, by choice,...
 
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