Tony-B...
Posted: Sat Jan 18, 2014 3:01pm
Post Subject:
Operating hours meter failure
Easy part first. The rev-counter is supplied with pulses from a small terminal on the alternator. The pulse frequency is proportional to engine speed so the rev-counter converts the pulses to a speed reading. The presence of pulses also tells the electronics that the engine is running so it must run the hour meter. My guess is that this is a liquid crystal display and these get sluggish as the temperature falls to a pint where they fail to work. However I do not think that is the case here. I am about 80% sure the electronics are counting the hours but the display is not working. You may find it cures itself as the weather warms up and drives moisture out of the instrument. If it does it may well fail again. My belief is that a small ribbon cable that is fixed to the back of the display is now failing to make a reliable contact. If you are good at working on delicate instruments you could try stripping the instrument, removing the cable, cleaning eh contact area (both cable & display) with isopropyl alcohol and reassembling it. Otherwise if its important to you it may require a new instrument. Any make will do as long as it fits the hole and is alternator driven. It is likely to be fused along with all the other engine electrics but as the rev-counter is working it is not a fuse or supply/negative problem. I use mine to give an idea about re-fueling intervals (when its working - its like yours!) A fussy buyer may try to knock the price down if it is not working, a wise buyer will look at many other things to determine engine and boat use. You can get stand alone hour counters. Tony brooks