Trying to install new hour meter

[nightowle]

The digital hour meter inside my tach has given up the ghost. My Bavaria 35 has a Volvo MD 2030D without key ignition at the helm. I bought a cheapie hour meter I'd like to use in the engine bay, avoiding running any wiring to the helm pedestal. It seems if I connect to the "w" on the alternator, the meter will turn simply by connection through to the battery, let alone that I may need an interface between the alternator and the meter. I haven't located any oil pressure sending unit to try that approach. Any ideas? I'd like to keep this simple.
Thanks.

 

[LeslieTroyer]

Oil pressure switches work by switching ground. You’ll need a relay to make that work. The W terminal is an AC out doubt your meter will like that. I bought a hour meter that uses vibration to trigger - battery operated

Search “vibration hour meter” on amazon $20.

Les

 

[Rich Stidger]

Just connect it to any 12V power that is switched on by the key. I don't recall what the "w" wire on the alternator does.

 

[Ron20324]

many folks connect to the vent fan. Engine on, fan's on, meter 's on.

 

[nightowle]

Thanks guys. No fan, it's diesel. No key, just start button. Thanks Les, I'll look for the vibration model. Cruising up the sound now to Mystery Bay and then Port Ludlow. Got to celebrate labor day for all the work hours we put into our labors of love!!!

 

[LeslieTroyer]

Poullsbo Sunday and Bell Harbor Monday. Then working down to Gig Harbor before working back to Everett

Les