Engine hour meter clicks with ignition on, but engine not running

[ShoalSurvivor]

This doesn't seem correct. What could cause this to happen?

1999 Stingray 190LX
2004 Mercruiser 4.3L 225hp 4bbl
Quicksilver repower: SN: 90004747 Engine PartNo: 807736R11 date: 03252004 (original engine SN: L332123)
Alpha 1 Gen II - Transom: 0L517680 Drive: 0L192679 1.62 R (1.81R scratched on top) (original drive SN: L40356)

 

[cyclops222]

Normal logic...... If ignition key is ON ? Engine should be running !!

 

[jimmbo]

The Hour Meter is gets Power when the Ignition Circuit is energized. As mentioned above, the engine is likely running under those Conditions.
I guess, if you are really Bent about it, it could be wired in a way that it only gets power when the Alternator is spinning, or when there is Oil Pressure

 

[ESGWheel]

Let’s make sure we are taking about the same thing. Like cars there are generally 4 positions of the key switch: 1. Off 2. Run 3 Start and 4. Acc (for accessories).

As Cyclops points out if in the Run position the hour meter is running due to an assumed engine running.

If your concern is that the hr meter ticks away in the Acc position, then its wired incorrectly.

Also, if you are putting the key in Run while at anchor, etc. (engine NOT running) to play the radio or have other accessory items powered up, this should not be done.

 

[ShoalSurvivor]

Let’s make sure we are taking about the same thing. Like cars there are generally 4 positions of the key switch: 1. Off 2. Run 3 Start and 4. Acc (for accessories).

As Cyclops points out if in the Run position the hour meter is running due to an assumed engine running.

If your concern is that the hr meter ticks away in the Acc position, then its wired incorrectly.

Also, if you are putting the key in Run while at anchor, etc. (engine NOT running) to play the radio or have other accessory items powered up, this should not be done.

I’ve got 3. Off, on, and start.
I don’t leave it “on” when at anchor.
I typically only have it “on“ when the engine is running.
i was testing gauges with the ignition on, on the trailer, w/o the engine running, just to see if I got different results when ignition was “on” vs “off”.
I usually see the meter click when engine is running, but i thought it was based on the engine running, not just ignition power.
I searched and found that it should be based on PCM on engine, so I asked. Then I read that some older models count based on ignition power only.
my boat is 34 years old… so I suppose mine is based on ignition power. Just thought I’d ask.
thanks for replies.

 

[ESGWheel]

Ah, makes sense.

 

[nola mike]

No PCM on that engine. I dream of a day where concern about when the hour meter (if I had one) runs makes it into my top 10 of "things that need attention" on my boat!

 

[Scott06]

I’ve got 3. Off, on, and start.
I don’t leave it “on” when at anchor.
I typically only have it “on“ when the engine is running.
i was testing gauges with the ignition on, on the trailer, w/o the engine running, just to see if I got different results when ignition was “on” vs “off”.
I usually see the meter click when engine is running, but i thought it was based on the engine running, not just ignition power.
I searched and found that it should be based on PCM on engine, so I asked. Then I read that some older models count based on ignition power only.
my boat is 34 years old… so I suppose mine is based on ignition power. Just thought I’d ask.
thanks for replies.

On an analog engine that is the only way to know it is running ( or should be…) power to ignition circuit.

 

[nola mike]

On an analog engine that is the only way to know it is running ( or should be…) power to ignition circuit.

Or induction coil over a plug wire. Then it's actually running. Or at least cranking.