Turning the key I get nothing.

[fincherjon@yahoo.com]

I finally got the boat wet today but I got nothing when I turned the the key, not even a click.It ran good before other than the rectifier over heating. I had removed the rectifier and was going to water test it. Where should I start looking. I'm not to good with wiring. I did find a blown fuse 20 amp at the smaller wire coming from the largest wire at the top of the exhaust cover. Thanks. 89 Johnson 60 hp

 

[F_R]

Well the blown fuse is the immediate reason it won't crank. But the next question is what blew the fuse? That is a very difficult question to answer, considering by your own confession you are "not good with wiring". A person that is good with wiring would use a multimeter to check out the circuits. Others will guess and probably replace parts un-necessarily.

 

[fincherjon@yahoo.com]

The fuse would not allow the starter to turn over? When I removed the rectifier I was cleaning the connections at the panel. The wire brush arced on one connection. That might be what blew the fuse. I have a multimeter. I'm just inexperienced with diagnosing electrical problems. I will replace the fuse and give it a try. Thanks for your help.

 

[F_R]

You probably answered your own question. You blew the fuse when you arced it to ground. With the blown fuse, no electricity is getting to the key switch, so no start when you turn the key. Hopefully, it is working now.

 

[Crosbyman]

did you try with a new fuse ??

 

[fincherjon@yahoo.com]

Yes I replaced it last night and it's turning over. I kinda feel stupid now. I can't believe with the diameter of a small wire brush bristle that it blow that fuse. Thanks again and happy boating!

 

[WernerF]

I can't believe with the diameter of a small wire brush bristle that it blow that fuse. Thanks again and happy boating!

Of course it does, the fuse is only 20A. You shouldn't brush the contacts clean without disconnecting the battery.

 

[gm280]

johny, usually when folks want to really clean contacts, they remove them one by one and clean the terminal to bright shiny metal and reinstall again. Simply brushing them on the top doesn't do anything for corrosion between the contact and terminal block. So remove the wire terminals to properly clean them. And of course disconnect the power first as well. JMHO!