My Hour meter runs when the Engine is not??

[pequeajim]

Hi guys, it's been a while. I have been stuck in "build my airplane" mode for a while. I do have a question for you guys though...

I used my 425 around a week ago to clean up some shrubs in the back yark. Put it away and then came back today to use it for some more cleanup. Upon walking up to the tractor, I noticed the key was in the "on" position.

"Crap" I thought. "Now my battery will be dead!". While this was true, another surprise awaited me...

ANOTHER 140 HOURS WAS ON THE METER!

What is up with that? The hour meter is supposed to show engine run time, not "key turned on" time!

I'm depressed...

 

[SpringHollow]

It is an ignition key on meter.

Ken

 

[pequeajim]

Is that so I know how many hours are on my ignition switch?

Worthless! The hour meter is supposed to tell you how many hours are on the tractor. Having it count up when the engine is not running is pretty dumb!

Of course, leaving the key switch on was dumb, but boy what a shock!

 

[BobRip]

Is that so I know how many hours are on my ignition switch?

Worthless! The hour meter is supposed to tell you how many hours are on the tractor. Having it count up when the engine is not running is pretty dumb!

Of course, leaving the key switch on was dumb, but boy what a shock!

I have done that too. I added a beeper on the oil pressure switch so I can tell if I left the key on and to tell me if oil pressure is low. You could wire the hour meter to the oil pressure switch which is already on the engine, but not connected to anything. Just thought of that one.

 

[pequeajim]

Good idea Bob, (as usual...)

 

[SpringHollow]

The mini tach that Carl posted has a true engine running hour meter. Really nice tach.

Ken

 

[Blagadan]

My old kubota 7100 has the same problem. I found I had left mine switched in the "on" position for a few days.... 70+ hours added to the counter as it sat quietly in the shed...

I like the idea of fitting a beeper to the oil pressure light, good thinking .

 

[KMA]

All the commercial mowers I've owned were the same way... key left on and the timer runs.

 

[woodlandfarms]

I'd like to be stuck in my build an airplane mode. Lucky you! What are you building?

 

[J_J]

You can compensate for the excess time on your hour meter. You can disconnect the meter for a certain time. You can purchase another meter and hook it up to run on 12v for the time you think is reasonable and then replace the old meter. A small transformer putting out 12v at 250 ma, would work . Just plug it in and run for 6 days for a total time of 144 hr. Good luck.