Volvo KAD 300 Engine hour meter kaput

[lrc]

2004 25' Carolina Classic with Volvo KAD 300 diesel jackshaft, volvo duoprop. Has worked flawlessly with the exception of belt maintenance. Low hours.

Recently noticed the engine hour meter fading in and out. It's located at the bottom of the Volvo RPM gauge and is a small LCD readout. It has totally stopped showing anything. RPM gauge works fine, all other electronics and switches working fine.

Seems minor but I miss the ability to log my maintenance against the engine hours.

Pulled the console forward, checked the physical wiring, tried moving connections. No luck. Nothing loose or corroded.

Anyone else have a trouble like this? I don't think it's likely the LCD went out. I'm wondering if the RPM gauge has an internal clock or if the computer feeds this info to the gauge.

Anyone, ideas?

LRC

[Bluefin 32]

I know for sure that on the newer EVC-C systems, the hour data is stored in the engine's ECM and not the display. I believe your EDC system is the same so if you had a new instrument, you would get your hour readings back.

[Final Chaos]

I have a 28 with twin KAD 300's and 2 hours meters that are kaput! I spoke with McDonnel Marine in Bloomfield CT (who are excellent) and was told the problem is very common. They told me if I replace the tachs the hour meter will start at zero and there is no assurance the problem will not happen again. I do believe that if a Volvo mechanic connects their computer to the engines they will get the actual hours. I am a maintenance finatic; so not having hour meters makes me crazy. Let me know if you find a solution.

[lrc]

At Volvo prices, I think I'll just install an external hour meter.

I kept a log on the boat so I have a pretty close approximation of the hours to set the new one. I can hook it up to the battery prior to install and disconnect when I reach the actual hours for the engine.

I only have about 120 hours on this boat.

When the day comes that I decide to sell the boat, a good Volvo engine mechanic can probably read the hours from the ECM to provide it in the survey report and confirm to the buyer.

Thanks for your input.

[Bullish]

Same problem here but I have a tower so between the four gauges, one is usually working correctly so I can log hours on maintenance. Problem started a few years ago but I have noticed that it comes and goes so maybe yours will come back on at some point.

[Over Billin]

I have the same issue with my 2002 Volvo tachs, as well my 98 did same thing.

Given the replacement costs, it is simple to monitor from tower.

A simple hour meter mounted on the engine, in sight when checking oils helps to anticapate next service.