2002 Sportster LE - hour meter

[worldtrekkers]

Hi,
I recently bought a 2002 Sportster LE. I wanted to fit an hour meter and the blank dial where the fuel gauge would be (behind the steering wheel) on the two engine version seems like a great place to fit it. Can anyone suggest the best way to connect the meter to an appropriate power source? Other boating site suggested the alternator, but I was wondering if there was a better way to connect to the power. I have already checked the ignition, but that seems to drop 12v when it is on rather than provide 12v.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks, Phil

 

[kustomkarl]

I suggest you connect to a purple+ wire that runs to the guages now, and pull form that power source. This way it only receives power when the lanyard is connected to the DESS. You shouldn't connect to the Magneto, as it will power surge the meter, and offer too high a voltage.

Karl

 

[worldtrekkers]

Thanks for the suggestion Karl I will try that. I did think the tacometer might be a good choice because I assume it will only be drawing current when the engine is on, but either way I will look for a purple wire going into a gauge.
Thanks again, Phil

 

[worldtrekkers]

Hour meter - up and running

Hi,
I wanted to close out this post with the outcome. I mounted the hour meter in the housing behind the steering wheel. I had real trouble convincing the wheel to come off, but I eventually persuaded it with a puller and a soft mallet.

I used scotch connectors (they cut into an existing wire) to connect the meter to a purple power supply wire and a black ground. In both cases I made the connections near the connector block. Consequently, I did not connect to any specific wires; I just picked one of each.

It is not a perfect solution because the meter runs with the DESS connected, but without the engine running. However, given that you don't tend to have the lanyard on for long without turning on the engine I don' see this as a major issue. I have yet to test the meter with the engine on, but I assume it will be fine.

Thanks again for the advice Karl... Phil

 

[sporsterjoel]

What wire should i use form my hr meter install? Im mounting it in the engine bay. I know it an easy install but my wiring diagram is to small and cant really read it.

 

[kustomkarl]

Look for any purple wire in the engine bay. The purple wire when checked with a multi meter, should only have power applied when the lanyard is in place so the clock isn't running with just any circuit on. Chances are that you won't have the DESS lanyard in place unless your running the engine. You don't need to see the hour meter except when you want to check the hours....remember the KISS theory( Keep It Simple Stupid)...it works for me all the time. I mounted my my hr. meter under my cooler in the front lid, for access when I need to see it.

Karl

 

[sporsterjoel]

tks for the reply. I mounted mine to the left of the air box, made a braket out of stainless steal