Question on installing an hour meter

[Wade B AKA: Ruger2506]

I was blown away when my mechanic told me I put over 80 hours on my Verado in 2010. I thought it would be way less than that. So, I see I need to install an hour meter on there. The question is, where should I hook it up to that it will be accurate? Just cause the key is on doesn't mean the motor is running, so I want to hook the hot wire to somewhere that is only hot if the motor is running. Ideas? Thanks.

[Hot Runr Guy]

Wade,
I'd get one of these Tiny-Tach units, that use an input via a spark plug wire. http://www.tinytach.com/tinytach/index.php

HRG

[Esoxchaser]

Why would the key be on if the motor isn't running? Wouldn't that just be draining the battery?

[Jimmy Jig]

That little hour meter with a wire wrapped around the spark plug wire works good.
After 4 years it was with in 10 hours of the computer. I have left the switch on over night before.......

[Esoxchaser]

Oh- DOH V-rod....... the key is on to run the power steering pump so you can steer the remote kicker? I would think that Mercury knowing this has to be done would have made it so the hour meter isn't running just because the PS pump is. Maybe their technical assistance can help you. They must be aware of how frequently they are used in this mode, they are the ones who recommend an extra battery so you can still crank the motor when you are done trolling.

[DRICH]

I would go with the smartcraft gauge set up. I just order the stuff for my boat. It will give you all kinds of good info. engine hours, temp,water pressure, trim and more. I got the gauge off ebay brand new for 130 bucks.

[Wade B AKA: Ruger2506]

Originally Posted by DRICH

I would go with the smartcraft gauge set up. I just order the stuff for my boat. It will give you all kinds of good info. engine hours, temp,water pressure, trim and more. I got the gauge off ebay brand new for 130 bucks.

Really? $130? That's an awesome price. I've never seen them around for that price. Good find.

[Shellback]

If your motor has an oil pressure warning horn or gauge, it should have a port for the sender. See if you can put a tee there to accept another oil pressure warning light switch. Then go to NAPA and get a switch that provides a ground when there is oil pressure. Run a hot wire to one side of your hour meter, and the ground wire to the new switch. Your hour meter will only operate when the engine is actually running with oil pressure. This is how we used to rig hour meters for our old diesels.

[Yellow Fever]

Hello....I wired my hour meter to my tach. It worked for me

[DRICH]

I found it on ebay from a dealer in Florida. Brand new in the box with a cable also. I still needed a cable form the motor to the gauge as I'm not going to a junction box. Hot runr guy had one to sell me.