NDR Hobbs meter
- Thread starter wis boz
- Start date
Mike Repp
Well-known member
is it getting power? My guess is that it is just recording the time the generator is on unlike a plane where the Hobb is measuring tach time. If its getting power then the unit is more than likely bad. I dont think that you will be able to fix it. A slight tap to the base of the unit might free it up if its just stuck.
Mike
I recently had a new on/off dash switch replaced for my Onan generator. Could that be the problem? I was blowing fuses when running the generator. The Onan people pulled the whole generator out 3 times trying to find the problem (at $60 per hour) and didn't find the problem until they replaced the on/off switch which evidently was the culprit. It was an expensive switch when I got the bill. Being a pilot I'm aware of the function of a Hobbs in aircraft and even though this is a motor home I'm a stickler for everything working. It will give me the time to change the oil/air filter etc.. The local Onan people gave me no answer. This isn't duck related although I take it duck hunting.
wis boz
I recently had a new on/off dash switch replaced for my Onan generator. Could that be the problem? I was blowing fuses when running the generator. The Onan people pulled the whole generator out 3 times trying to find the problem (at $60 per hour) and didn't find the problem until they replaced the on/off switch which evidently was the culprit. It was an expensive switch when I got the bill. Being a pilot I'm aware of the function of a Hobbs in aircraft and even though this is a motor home I'm a stickler for everything working. It will give me the time to change the oil/air filter etc.. The local Onan people gave me no answer. This isn't duck related although I take it duck hunting.
wis boz
Wis Boz,
Most of these hour meters just run off 12V. Check for 12V across the terminals with the generator running, it most likely has an oil pressure switch that provides power to the hour meter when the engine is running. If you don't have power across the terminals check for an oil pressure (OP) switch, then you need to determine if the OP switch controls positive or ground. If the OP switch controls ground check the wire from the OP switch to the meter with an ohmmeter, then check to make sure you have 12V to the other terminal with the run switch in the run position. If the OP switch controls positive, check for power to the OP switch then check the wire from the OP switch to the meter same as before. Then check to make sure you have ground to the meter. If you want to bench test the hourmeter just hook test leads from the meter to a battery, check the meter for a voltage rating printed on the back of the meter.
hope this helps,
Jim S
Most of these hour meters just run off 12V. Check for 12V across the terminals with the generator running, it most likely has an oil pressure switch that provides power to the hour meter when the engine is running. If you don't have power across the terminals check for an oil pressure (OP) switch, then you need to determine if the OP switch controls positive or ground. If the OP switch controls ground check the wire from the OP switch to the meter with an ohmmeter, then check to make sure you have 12V to the other terminal with the run switch in the run position. If the OP switch controls positive, check for power to the OP switch then check the wire from the OP switch to the meter same as before. Then check to make sure you have ground to the meter. If you want to bench test the hourmeter just hook test leads from the meter to a battery, check the meter for a voltage rating printed on the back of the meter.
hope this helps,
Jim S
jwking
Well-known member
whats this meter you speak of and where do you think your going to put it ! ?
View attachment Hobbes.jpg.
View attachment Hobbes.jpg
View attachment Hobbes.jpg.
View attachment Hobbes.jpg
harry whitley
Well-known member
Last time I had my portable generator tuned up the guy installed a very inexpensive hour meter (not a Hobbs, I can tell because I used to be a private pilot). It runs only when there is electricity going to the spark plugs. Your local generator dealer might be able to fix you up with one cheap cheap.
Best,
Harry
Best,
Harry
Boz,
I'm the same way as you about having things working right. If somethings there it should work!
I re-read your post about having the run/stop switch replaced in the dash. Maybe they bumped a wire loose when they were in there. Or maybe something didn't get reconnected when they had the gen-set out one of the three times. What model is your generator? If you can get me the model and spec number I can stop up at our local Cummins dealer and see if they have a wire diagram that they'd let me look at to see if I can help you out. Here's a link to Onan's gen-set ID website page. http://cumminsonan.com/rv/support/id/
Jim S
I'm the same way as you about having things working right. If somethings there it should work!
I re-read your post about having the run/stop switch replaced in the dash. Maybe they bumped a wire loose when they were in there. Or maybe something didn't get reconnected when they had the gen-set out one of the three times. What model is your generator? If you can get me the model and spec number I can stop up at our local Cummins dealer and see if they have a wire diagram that they'd let me look at to see if I can help you out. Here's a link to Onan's gen-set ID website page. http://cumminsonan.com/rv/support/id/
Jim S