Hobbs Meter Connection etc
The standard Hobbs Meter (Engine Hour Gauge) is connected to the Ignition Switch or an other Gauge (Oil Press, Water Temp. Etc). Connect the Hobbs Positive to the “I” Terminal (Ignition Sw or Gauge), and the Hobbs Negative to the Negative Return (Gnd) wire. All DC wiring should be TWO-Wire (Pos. Violet & Neg. Yellow or Black), and NOT automotive single-wire style (Pos Wire & Engine Gnd). The Gauge will clock (accumulate hours) any time the Ignition Switch is “On”, with engine running or not. There are other, more sophisticated, instruments that rely on engine oil pressure, and only accumulate hours when the engine is actually running. They have separate (oil press.) “senders”. Others may utilize Alternator “Output”. Teleflex-Morse do not recommend any lubrication on their mechanical control cables. Test a “sticky” shifter (Engine “OFF”) by disconnecting cable at engine. If it operates smoothly, lubricate or adjust engine transmission / throttle linkages. Disconnect cable at helm shift lever. If operates smoothly, lubricate or adjust shift lever linkage. If still sticky, replace cable. (Should shift with 5 - 10 Lbs pressure. New engine oil will quickly discolour (perhaps within minutes, certainly an hour or two) - but should not go to a dirty-black. The acceptable discolouration is a matter of degree (hard to describe). If it quickly goes “really” black, I’d change it again. If the second change also goes black, you might consider an engine-oil analysis. HTH Gord
