Fuel Tank Gauge and Engine Hours Counter

[jackzimmerman]

Hi all,

I'm a new owner of a 2005 423 and the fuel tank gauge and the engine hours counter either do not work or at least you can't read them because they do not light on the cockpit engine panel. Looks like they are maybe wired with the blower somehow? Is there a simple switch or breaker or blown fuse? Any troubleshooting hints woud be appreciated, thanks. Jack

 

[MSN-Travelers]

Power is supplied to the blower and gages when the key is turned to the on/run position.
Power is supplied to the panel lights when either the cabin lights or the running lights (can't remember which for sure) are turned on at the breaker panel. The panel lights are actually turned on with a switch at the gage panel.

 

[Bob846]

I assume you have the Volvo D2-55 engine on that 423. If you do, the engine hour display does not work 99% of the time. However, the instrument is still accumulating hours. This is a very well documented issue on the Volvos (and hopefully, this has been addressed in newer boats). Most of us have added an after-market standalone engine hour meter (such as one made by Hobbs). Connect the meter to the battery and allow the meter to count up to the desired number. Then, install as part of the keyed switch.

The fuel gauge is usually not impacted by the engine hour meter so you'll have to supply more information on this. Is not working at all? Is just failing to illuminate? Is it analog or digital?

Also check out: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Beneteau423/info

 

[Ron20324]

My 2006 B323 has 1/4 inch push-on connectors on the fuel sending unit. Twice I've had to squeeze them so they fit tighter. My Yamaha hour gauge very seldom works, but if I'm lucky I can spot it and record the hours in the log book. One of these days I'll get a "real" one.
one.

 

[Captn TJ]

There must be one supplier of LCD displays to all engine manufacturers as they all seem to fail regardless of engine type. As someone mentioned the LCD displays keeps counting the hours but is not visible for most of the time. A year ago mine came on for a sec. (Turned the key on and off till it came on). I then bought an analog meter connected it to a 12v circuit at home until I had the same number of hours then installed it.

FYI I just connected it to a pos (red) and neg (black) behind the panel. So it goes on when the key is turned. No need to wire it to the engine. Total cost about $35.

 

[Bloodline]

There must be one supplier of LCD displays to all engine manufacturers as they all seem to fail regardless of engine type. As someone mentioned the LCD displays keeps counting the hours but is not visible for most of the time. A year ago mine came on for a sec. (Turned the key on and off till it came on). I then bought an analog meter connected it to a 12v circuit at home until I had the same number of hours then installed it. FYI I just connected it to a pos (red) and neg (black) behind the panel. So it goes on when the key is turned. No need to wire it to the engine. Total cost about $35.

Yep, VDO.