Early 80’s thunderbolts - same wiring woes as mid 70’s models?

[ShoestringMariner]

I’m considering taking a 1981 80hp thunderbolt in on trade. Do these motors suffer the same wire deterioration issues as the earlier thunderbolt models? I don’t see many of these around in theses parts.
Any other inherit issues? (Fresh water use)

 

[jimmbo]

They can. I think Merc bought enough of the wire with that insulation to go to the sun and back a couple of times. It is a 38 year old motor, there are bound to be some issues.

 

[ShoestringMariner]

That’s what I figured, thanks.

 

[GA_Boater]

They can. I think Merc bought enough of the wire with that insulation to go to the sun and back a couple of times. It is a 38 year old motor, there are bound to be some issues.

That's it! The heat from the Sun weakens the molecular bonds causing the insulation to crumble. Finally a good scientific explanation. :watermelon:

My wiring has plenty of patches to function until I look cross-eyed at it.