hour meter and hours

[Eye Hunter]

will the hour meter keep running if keys are left on in a 2000 310 HELP????

[hanzelvh]

why not trying it ???

[step 2]

The hour meter should be running whenever the key is on.  I believe most hour meters are powered by the ignition coil power feed which should only be on if the engine is running OR the key is turned to the run position.

[alswagg]

The hour meter should be running whenever the key is on.  I believe most hour meters are powered by the ignition coil power feed which should only be on if the engine is running OR the key is turned to the run position.

Not so with the OEM Rinker gauges.  The Hour meter on the gauge only is triggered when any sign of RPM is registered.  If the engine distributer does not send a signal, no hours.  Simple as that.  You can also double check your hrs by checking the ECM.  Al

[step 2]

Thanks for the info.  I'm used to working on older equipment.  Most of my boating time has been spent on 80's boats, without ECM's, so I was unaware of the role the computer played with the hour meter.

[Capt Ron]

I have a friend who owns a 1990 Doral and left their ignition key for a month. They came back to the boat to find another 700 hours on the clock. Probably had no points left in it either.

Good tip on the ECM Al.. Good for checking used engines.