12 volt source for hour meter

[Dave-R]

The engine I have is a 2001 4.3GL Carb engine. I tried hooking up the 12 volt source of the meter to the purple wire on the starter solenoid. The meter worked when I turned on the key, but the engine would not shut off. In a panic, I pulled the coil wire off. At 67 years and a heart condition, I was lucky to be writing this. I still do not understand why that happened, but when I removed the meter hot wire from starter everything works . My question is this. Is the hot wire to the electric choke
always hot when the key is on, or when the engine is running? I know the choke takes about a minute to open fully, but what shuts the choke off. And can I use it for a power supply. Thanks Dave-R

 

[WHF]

connect to your ignition switch (where you insert and turn the key); to the contact that is live after you release the key

 

[Scott Danforth]

my guess is your boat didnt come with an hour meter and your adding it?

every purple wire is "ignition" and that comes after the key switch. however hooking up to the starter, you were probably back-feeding the ignition.

hook the hour meter to the purple wire going to the + side of the coil if you want it back by the motor or install it in the dash and hook up to the key switch.