Clicking noise at generator time clock

[racryf]

Hello All,
My husband and I took possession of our first DP today. While we were running the genny a "ticking" noise was coming from the dash generator time clock--almost like a second hand noise on a clock, but audible enough we could hear it in the living area 10 feet away!
Any opinions as to what this might be? It will be pretty noticeable during sleeping hours...
This is the first time it was run in about 2 weeks. Could it be a "warm-up" sensing period?
I don't have the owners manual yet to research.
Thanks in advance,
Beth

[jfran304]

Beth,

The Generator Time Clock is actually called the hour meter. Some of them are known to have a distinct clicking noise when the generator is operating.

Jon

[wa8yxm]

IN the old days, beside your bed you had an alarm clock that you wound up with a key and it went Tick Tock Tick Tock all night long.

The "Hours Meter" for the generator is the very same type of clock save for three things.

1: Display is different
2: No alarm
3: Wound by an electro magnet.. When the spring runs down CLICK, the magnet pulls it back and "rewinds" it.

[W4MBG]

and in mine it is mounted on a metal sounding board called a range hood.

[WeatherTodd]

cogs in the hour meter. You can get a digital one to replace it for about $40.

[racryf]

Thanks for all the prompt answers!
WeatherTodd, is replacing with a digital a a DIY project?
Beth

[WeatherTodd]

Quote:

Originally Posted by racryf Thanks for all the prompt answers! WeatherTodd, is replacing with a digital a a DIY project? Beth

sure... I see no reason why someone cant do it themselves. its only 2 wires.
Amazon.com: Digital Hour Meter Tachometer Tach Tacho for Yamaha KTM Honda Kawasaki BMW Motorcycle Dirt Bike ATV UTV Quad Generator MX Snowmobile Boat Outboard Jet Ski 4 2 Stroke Gas Engine: Automotive

Something like this. Just keep the old meter or note the hours in your maintenance log book.

[jzick]

Quote:

It will be pretty noticeable during sleeping hours...

Wow, I thought my only my DW was super sensitive to noises like that. Sometimes I accuse her of being the model for The Princess and the Pea.
I think what you are hearing is pretty normal as others have said. Look on the bright side. Your generator must be running pretty quietly if you can ear the ticking.

[racryf]

Ha,Ha!
jzick, you are not the first DH to state that!