Engine hour meter keeps running, even if the engine isn't...

[Heiner Baumann]

Hey there,

Since some time I have a strange thing going on aboard my CD-30 Ketch (1977). The engine hour meter (I don't know if it came with the boat originally or if it was added later)runs whenever I have the batteries on, even if the engine is not running.

How can that be? Is there an easy fix to this problem or do I need to get an "electrician"?

Thanks for your advice!

Heiner Baumann
Spirit of O'Henry
CD-30 Ketch



hbaumann@mba1999.hbs.edu

[Randy Bates]

Has it always done this? Apparently it's wired up to the battery side of the engine switch. Move this wire to the side of the switch that is "hot" ONLY when the engine switch is on. Use a multimeter or a 12v bulb with attached wires to find out which switch contact is which.

Hey there,

Since some time I have a strange thing going on aboard my CD-30 Ketch (1977). The engine hour meter (I don't know if it came with the boat originally or if it was added later)runs whenever I have the batteries on, even if the engine is not running.

How can that be? Is there an easy fix to this problem or do I need to get an "electrician"?

Thanks for your advice!

Heiner Baumann
Spirit of O'Henry
CD-30 Ketch

randy.bates@baesystems.com

[Bill]

Hi Heiner

Aboard Rhapsody the hour meter is wired to the oil pressure sender on the engine. That way the only way the meter gets "juice" is when the oil pressure sender is sending it information. IE...the hour meter only runs when the engine is running and not when the ignition switch is in the on position.

Fair winds

Bill
Captain Commanding
S/V Rhapsody (the Original)
CD25D #148
Oklahoma Contingent of the NE Fleet, CDSOA, Inc.
Galley Wench S/V Evening Light
<A HREF="http://www.applegatemarina.com">Kerr Lake, OK (Oklahoma's Outlet to the Sea)</A>

Hey there,

Since some time I have a strange thing going on aboard my CD-30 Ketch (1977). The engine hour meter (I don't know if it came with the boat originally or if it was added later)runs whenever I have the batteries on, even if the engine is not running.

How can that be? Is there an easy fix to this problem or do I need to get an "electrician"?

Thanks for your advice!

Heiner Baumann
Spirit of O'Henry
CD-30 Ketch

cd25d@rhapsodysails.com

[Chris]

Hey there,

Since some time I have a strange thing going on aboard my CD-30 Ketch (1977). The engine hour meter (I don't know if it came with the boat originally or if it was added later)runs whenever I have the batteries on, even if the engine is not running.

Heiner - The power supply circuit to your meter is energized by the battery switch and not the ignition switch. What you need to do is rewire the meter to a circuit that is energized only when the ignition key is in the "on" position. The easiest thing to do is to use the side of the ignition switch that is energized when the the key is on, or attach to the other end of the wire leading off the switch which usually goes to your starter or glow plug buttons. The "on" side of the ignition switch usually has the gauge lights attached to it which may add in identifying the correct side.

How can that be? Is there an easy fix to this problem or do I need to get an "electrician"?

Thanks for your advice!

Heiner Baumann
Spirit of O'Henry
CD-30 Ketch