Installing a hobbs meter on a Yanmar 3GM30F?

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Paul

The 356 doesn't come with a hobbs meter. Does anyone know how to wire one to a 3GM30F? Thanks, Paul
 
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Daniel Jonas

Hobbs

We did not install it ourselves, but we think it is wired to the ignition switch. Seems pretty straightorward. We installed it in the face of the wood just above the top of the engine cover (front side of the storage compartment over the engine). We also installed our engine fire extinguisher monitor and dedicated engine battery switch in the same location. I can't figure out why Hunter delivered these boats with a manual that provides specific engine time services, but no way to monitor engine time without a running log. Dan Jonas (S/V Feije II)
 
T

Toni

We installed one

Like Dan Jonas, we were also amazed that our 356 was delivered without a way to measure engine hours. The dealer installed one adjacent to the cockpit shower. It's out of the way but visible when we need it. We also installed a DC volt meter on the instrument panel. Again, we were surprised it didn't have one.
 
M

Miles

I thought the standard Yanmar tach had one?

At least there is one on my 340. Did they get rid of it for some reason?
 
Mar 21, 2004
2,175
Hunter 356 Cobb Island, MD
Hobbs Installation

Hi Guys, Bought a Hobbs right after taking delivery of Java. I plan to install it just above the engine step where the white dot is, in the photo. Is there a different way to hook it up without running a wire all the way to the ignition swtich? Jim S/V Java Were are supposed to get 3-6 inches of snow tonight. Anyone wish to go sailing?
 

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Paul

Some thoughts

Jim, Daniel, I too would like to install the hobbs meter above the engine compartment. The long run to the starter switch sounds like a pain. I included a link from Practical Sailor in which the author installed a hobbs by attaching the positive terminal to the electric fuel pump. Not an option for the 3GM30F, but it does make me wonder if an alternative to the starter switch exits. Perhaps something off the alternator or the wiring harness. Food for thought.
 
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Daniel Jonas

Not Sure

I'm pretty sure that the wires do not run back to the ignition switch. I think the tech hooked into a switched wire within the engine compartment. To verify, I would have to do so on a visit to the boat (about 50 miles away). Can't imagine that it would be a problem to do it that way. Dan Jonas (S/V Feije II)
 
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Rip Edmundson

hour meter installation instructions in archives

I used Roy Mosteller's great instructions for installing an hour meter when I added Oil Pressure and Water Temperature gauges to my Hunter 31. It was extremely easy compared to installing the new gauges and their senders. It's in the archives or I can send it to you. Actually, all you need to do is buy the hour meter and follow the directions included.
 
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Steve Weinstein

It's simple. The instructions come with

the meter. It's only two wires or so. One goes to ground and the other goes to either the back of the ignition switch or to the altinator. If you choose the ignition switch then the meter will be turning once you turn the switch on. If you connect to the altinator than the meter runs only when the engine is running. Personally, for ease of installation, I connected my meter to the ignition switch. Since I have a diesel, as you do, there's no circumstances I can think of where the switch would be on without the engine running.
 
J

JP

Use rubber seal switch connector for hour meter.

Look the circuit diagram in Yanmar operation manualyou may find an unused connector "sail drive unit- rubber seal switch" which is hanging aroung alternator. Use this connector for the hour mater is the most easy way to go. Just make sure the indicator light bulb for this switch is there and good. Since new hour meter are quaze they use very little current to operate so althrough the power for hour meter is run through indicatior bulb it still able to supply enough current for it to work.
 
Mar 21, 2004
2,175
Hunter 356 Cobb Island, MD
Hour meter wiring

I'll be at the boat today to sweep the snow off, we got 8" of the stuff. Plan to check the wiring to see were I can tap into a switched 12 volt for the meter. I was not able to find Roy Mosteller's post in the archives, Rip can you send it to me, if you have it. seamans@ayesail.net Jim S/V Java
 
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Jim Rushing

Wiring

If you locate the hour meter next to the engine compartment, it is easy to wire up. Ground one of the hour meter terminals and run the other terminal to the plastic connector on the back of the alternator. There will be 14 vdc there only when the engine is operating. So even if you leave the engine switch turned on, nothing will register on the hour meter.
 
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Paul Akers

Oil sender switch?

I have also heard that you can connect the plus (+) side of the meter to the oil sender switch on the engine and ground the neg (-) side. Would anyone agree?
 
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Ivan Bekey

I installed one

I instaled one in the engine control panel in the cockpit. I bought a small unit, measures about 1 1/2" long by 3/4" high and 1" deep. I wired it to the switched treminal of the ignition switch. I simply placed it between the plastic cover and the panel, and it sits there, out of the way and ticking. Works like a charm and I didn't have to cut holes in the engine cover or panels.
 
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Rick Webb

Placement

Do you need to check your hours more often than you check your oil? Why not place it on a bracket in the engine box vs drilling hole in then boat somewhere? Quicker, simpler? Signed Curious
 
S

Sandy

In port locker

We caught it early that the 356 did not have one so we asked the dealer to install. He through it in as part of the deal. We talked to our head "rigger" and agreed that the best location would be inside the cavernous port locker right by the A/C plug. That's where we put it.
 
Mar 21, 2004
2,175
Hunter 356 Cobb Island, MD
Wiring the Hobbs!

Well Everyone after getting the manual home for the Yanmar, I studied the wiring and I think I found the spot to tie into. Someone else had suggested this spot but the wiring diagram supports it. If you look at the attached image and follow the line from the Tachometer + side it will lead to the alternator. From this you can tie into the plus side and ground whereever the meter is. Now to the mounting - PICK a SPOT. For me I want to be able to see it quickly. Jim S/V Java
 

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