Hour Meters Have Stopped Working on Both 4JH4AE Yanmar Displays

[feebs]

Thanks boatbod for your input - my question at post #39 was trying to find out if newer tachometers have had this problem sorted, or will I just be putting back same version which will fail with same fault after X time?

Anyone had experience with newer version of Yanmar tachometer ?




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[boatbod]

Replacement tachs seem to behave about the same as the old ones. Newer engines have different panels with a completely different electronic tach. Unfortunately it's not directly compatible.

[offpist]

We also have an 4JH4AE and the hour meter stopped working. The trick with cleaning the small flat cable did not help. We have also changed alternators to Balmar with serpentine belts and the Tachometer readings are wrong. (showing 3000 rpm when its really 2300 rpm). So now i am replacing the tachometer with VDO A2C59512390.
Its programmeble so readings will be right and it just seems a bit more modern with more functions.

Will post with the result, about two weeks from now.

[Pyxis156]

Please do post your results, I am considering doing the same as you offpist.

[offpist]

Today I installed the VDO A2C59512390.
30 minute job, really easy and works well.

[Pyxis156]

Thanks offpist, that is very encouraging. Any guidance on potential pitfalls or that might make the installation easier?

[offpist]

When you order, make sure its complete with the two connectors and two push buttons.
Fitment thru the panel hole is perfect so no need to adapt anything. The two push buttons are for changing settings and you need to make two 12 mm holes for them.
After that you connect all the wires, just follow the schematics. Instead of cutting the original wires i made an "adapter" wire so installment can easely be reversed.

Last you set the clock and pulses. Mine is correct at 131 pulses but my setup is very custom so yours might be different.

Some benifits over original:
-Can be adjusted for any alternator/belt setup.
-3000 rpm suits 4JHAE better than 5000 rpm.
-LED red light, adjusteble in 10 step brightnes.
-Reseteble trip hour counter.
-Alarm output.
-Built in clock and volt meter (but wont use that much).

[Pyxis156]

I wanted to thank offpist again for the encouragement, info and especially the pictures. Today I installed a slightly different model VDO tach, but very similar to the one he documented (mine is 0-4000 RPM), and the pics he posted were very helpful in getting the tach wires to the correct spots on the Yanmar harness. The new tach looks great and has a finer resolution (marks every 100 RPM vs 200 RPM on the stock tach) with less wasted range. The stock tack was 0-5000 RPM and the max rating for my engine is 3200 RPM, so the 4000 RPM range on this new tach is about perfect.

Before installing, I ran the engine hours on the new tach up to the correct amount on my workbench using a pulse generator I bought on Amazon.com for about $7 and a 12V battery charger in maintenance charge mode. Was really easy, and while not absolutely necessary it is nice having the new tach reflect actual engine hours.

And in case anyone wants to do this for a panel connected to a 4JH4-HTE in the future, fortunately there was a sticker in my ignition panel indicating the correct 10.3 pulse setting for my engine. Eliminated any trial and error in setting up the tach and at idle the new tach is reading exactly where it was on the old tach.

Thanks offpist!

Quick edit to add the model number of the tach I installed is VDO A2C53194863-S, and a caution that for it to work in the Yanmar panel you will also want to order a bezel, I ordered the black one (part no. A2C53192913-S). Without the bezel it would be a lot tougher to install in the panel.

[offpist]

Glad I could help
Since my last post we have crossed the atlantic, and tomorrow we set out to cross it again. It still works well.

Maybe you can post an picture of your installation with the bezel.

[capblasters]

Good question and anxious to see answer. I've got the same issue with my Yanmar 3YM30. Hours show intermittently, not on and off but rather sometimes I can read the hours, sometimes I can not. It is counting though.

Graham

[soon2sail]

Google Yanmar engine hours meter not working. Check available videos that show your issue is probably just moisture collection inside the gauge which is easily fixed (need tiny torx wrench tho!) The first step (once gauge loose from panel} is to check power. If good, probably the moisture.

[oslokid]

I just recently replaced the LED display and ribbon by following instructions per this Youtube video. Solved the problem.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_2qt6MuWGk

I ordered the part from AKspeedo per his instructions. About $30
Need a torx screwdriver (drill bit torx too thick)

[davefromoregon]

Originally Posted by oslokid

I just recently replaced the LED display and ribbon by following instructions per this Youtube video. Solved the problem.

I ordered the part from AKspeedo per his instructions. About $30
Need a torx screwdriver (drill bit torx too thick)

We followed this video as well. Worked like a charm.