Volvo Penta Hours LCD Problem

[Bronco 30]

I've read about this problem in Yachting Monthly and/or PBO in Beneteau's.
The replacement is very expensive.
There are Chinese alternatives to this Volvo replacement or DYI solutions.
Apparently it's a major fail everywhere and those guys managed to get away with it.
It's called a known problem...

An important part of my annual budget is going to fix this known problems. (Volvo Engine Counters, RayMarine C70, Waeco Thermostats, etc)
There is this concept: They have yachts, they can afford.

There is also an global Industry problem. Take me for an example.
I would like to get an new AIS to be tracked when I get out alone.
Can't afford. My budget is going to fix Known Problems.

Help me to understand the dimension of this problem.

[doctordoom]

have just bought a Bavaria 34 ( year 2000) with a failed LCD engine hours counter, my last boat a Beneteau I had from new suffered a failed counter after approx 4 years, my friend with a Bavaria 32 has the same problem, on my last boat the display sometimes came on when engine switched on but then disappeared, the hours shown corresponded with the use since last seen so the clock was running but only displayed sporadically, then failed completely. A poor product in my opinion. Cheers John

[Anthony]

Yes mine also defunct; was like that when purchased and 6 years old.Now seven years later I have installed a cheap unit from Hong Kong , less than AU$20 delivered, and linked it to the ignition circuit. Just bridge across the fuel gauge terminals as this gauge only works when the ignition is on, and it only requires a micro current. Waterproof and eminently satisfactory.
Stuff you Volvo!

[Sweet As]

Same problem on our Bav36 2004. Although the LCD display does flash into life randomly. I connected a cheep analogue meter and mounted it in the engine compartment. I find it is a much more useful position than out at the wheel as the most frequent need to check engine hours is when I'm checking the engine.

I connected the meter directly to my car battery for 1700/24 days to run it up to the actual engine age before fitting it to the boat. However, I over ran by about 50 hrs . I have just made a note of the delta and carry on. I have wondered if it would unwind if I reversed the polarity??

[Nigel]

Update on this.

If your hour counter has failed, there is a document with instructions on how to replace it with a stand-alone unit in the Downloads section.

If not, then I suggest some preventative measures.
Dismantle the tachometer. Lift the top of the white ribbon cable socket and detach the LCD.
If there are any salt crystals inside the unit, rinse them away with warm water followed by de-ionised water. Don't get water in the motor if you can help it.
Mop up any remaining water, and use an air blower to dry.
Put it in the airing cupboard over the winter.
In the spring, coat all connections with Contralube 770.
Attach a 1g bag of silica gel crystals inside the base, a glue gun works well.
Reassemble.
Cover all holes with a piece of insulating tape, or a blob of silicone sealant.

[Lazy Pelican]

Nigel,
I can't find the 'Downloads' section - could you point me in the right direction?

John

[landes_h]

I have never given to much attention to a hour counter. Do we really check our sport by the hour?
My previous boat had a God knows how old Yanmar 2GM20 with no counter. I just changed oil every year (or not). This motor was indistructable.
My Volvo's counter in the cockpit console is blinking sometimes, but still good enough to see the numbers whenn I want to. I could live without it, and will, once it went to the cemetery of dead Volvo motor parts.
I wish I wouldn't know that my engine has run already for over 3800 hours  , but still does.
No offence meant! 

[Nigel]

I can't find the 'Downloads' section - could you point me in the right direction?

It's on the main site entry: http://www.bavariayacht.info