Regular hr meters suck. Not only will they keep running when the key is left on, but they are easily removed or replaced and super cheap to do so.

This is why Merc and others have the ECU's count actual run hrs. You'd have to spend good $$$ to replace the ECU.

Hooked up to 'run' side.

Issue with this is the ignition stays on too. Imagine on a carbed motor (no ECU to turn on ignition) where key energizes ignition coil, and the dist pick up is right at a trigger point for a cylinder.......the coil will be 'firing' and the module will be 'on' too.

Thus, the reason cars have 'accessory' position on the key switch. Pretty much all Boats just have off, run, and start.

Nobody has suggested the obvious, have a look at the boat and see if you need to turn the ignition on (and hour gauge operating) in order to turn on the music!!



Not 100% answer but an easy place to start....

Great idea, but he'll need to travel 700 miles to verify this in person...

Yeah, good point, I kinda glossed over that part in his first post.....
Anyone nearby can have a quick look? Otherwise, start driving and don't forget your cheque book!

Have the ECU scanned a EFI 496 HO will only count hours while running NOT while the ignition switch is left on,

i know there will not be an easy answer to my situation,if i was closer i would be driving right now(not able to take off of work at the moment)

i wish i knew someone in Canada to do this for me

unfortunately,i am not sure what ECU is . scanning ECU is different than the scan they already sent me? (not able to post scan)

When I scanned my 496, it showed hours from 0-1500rpm. The ecu should record hours even if the engine is not running, but getting power.