Hour meter for my big Johnson?

[Capn Mike]

I'm thinking I'd like to add an hour meter to my 2000, 200 hp Johnson. I searched the forums, but couldn't find what I was looking for....what do I attach the meter to, and can an idiot like me do it?

 

[sloopy]

Re: Hour meter for my big Johnson?

Your better off buying a new one! The new once last forever! and there is alot of preasure so making your own is a bad idea!

 

[Fixit]

Re: Hour meter for my big Johnson?

easy install hook up to the ign terminal at the key switch so you have power to meter when engine is running. Actualy you can hook up in any way you wont to regester the time on any system you prefer

 

[scotiany]

Re: Hour meter for my big Johnson?

What about the Tiny Tach. You just wrap the wire around your ignition leads. But, it only lasts about 5 years-then the non replacable lithiun battery dies. However they're only about $37.

 

[Capn Mike]

Re: Hour meter for my big Johnson?

Thanks guys....except for Sloopy (let's see how cocky he is when he's an old guy like me.... )<br /><br />The prices don't seem to be too bad in any case, but I was kind of thinking that some hour meters run faster and slower along with the engine. Am I just dreaming? In any case, it sounds like I could hook to to the tach, right?

 

[sloopy]

Re: Hour meter for my big Johnson?

YIKES WHAT HAPPENED!!!! I wrote that under a post about tilt and trim?!?!?!?!?!?! gaaaaa IBOATS is going wack!

 

[Fixit]

Re: Hour meter for my big Johnson?

actualy, I have reconsidered my earlier post, the difficult part is deciding where to put the meter before you hook it up and getting the area prepared,ie. hole or bracket, or what ever( depending on the make and size)aruuggghhhh decisions and it's not even 5 o'clock yet

 

[wilde1j]

Re: Hour meter for my big Johnson?

You don't hook to the tach leads. The meter is connected to a switched 12 VDC lead, so that when ignition switch is "ON", the hour meter runs. They don't run faster or slower with engine RPM changes, they just record actual hours the engine has run. They're cheap [<$30]. Go for it.<br /><br />There is a special kind of tach [used on reciprocating engine aircraft] that has an hour meter built into the tach and the recording does vary with RPM of the engine, but this is not available or useable in the marine world.

 

[MIKE F]

Re: Hour meter for my big Johnson?

Fixit<br />I installed one of those small rectangular hour meters along my wiring harness and steering cable in my center console. I just ty wrapped it along with my wiring. I couldn't see cutting a hole in the dash for that meter.

 

[Fixit]

Re: Hour meter for my big Johnson?

like i said easy fix and simple tp instal, the hard part--well.Sounds as thow you put it in a good place. after almost 4 mo. I finley decided to put one in the counsol.now having doubts,--OH WELL-I can always build another LOL

 

[Capn Mike]

Re: Hour meter for my big Johnson?

Thanks guys....I'll get one and install it this weekend. I'm going crazy finding projects while waiting for the salmon to get here.

 

[Capn Mike]

Re: Hour meter for my big Johnson?

Woo Hoo! I installed an hour meter this weekend and it works! (also hooked up the fuel flow meter to my GPS that I've been procrastinating). <br />Thanks to all of you that responded. I appreciate your help and encouragement.