Hour Meter Connection

[MattMPA]

Hi folks...did a search but did not find my answer.

I'm in the middle of setting up a fuse panel with grounds for my G16. My plan is to wire all my accessories through the panel, and feed the panel directly from thr battery. I'm fairly well versed in 12 volt.

Ive placed an old style hour meter in the new dash, and had planned to just make it "key on hot". I'm also using a new universal style switch that has both an accessory and ignition position.

My thinking was that the ignition position could feed the hour meter as the key would only be in that position when driving. (Lights, etc, would be on the accessory side.)

Im okay with a slightly higher reading as it would only mean servicing would come up a bit faster....but is there a way to hook this up so it only reads when the engine is running? I have a wiring diagram, but am just learning about these carts.

[bigstik40]

The red/white wires at the voltage regulator,solenoid, and stop relay are hot only when accelerator pedal is pressed. One side (also red/white wire) of the accelerator switch is also hot only when pedal is pressed also, but access may be more difficult. Hope this helps - RAY

[MattMPA]

Thanks Ray. Found it right away and yes, it only is hot when the pedal is depressed.

Which, makes me wonder. Connecting an hourmeter this way would only count hours the engine is running? Or, getting spark?

As I wrote, I'm still learning these things. If the engine is only getting spark when the pedal is depressed...what is the engine doing while coast downhill, for example?

[bigstik40]

Hourmeter will operate any time the accelerator pedal is depressed enough to close the accelerator switch, so you will not record "coasting" time. FWIW, I usually "feather" the gas pedal just a little while coasting to keep the drive belt engaged with the transmission for better engine braking. Your hour meter will be recording "engine" hours and not total "cart" hours but I don't think the difference would be that great. - RAY

[MattMPA]

Thanks again Ray! I appreciate your thoughts!