1972 Evinrude 40 HP. I fried some wires! Need help please..

[Huntleybill]

Engine started right up and after running for about 30 seconds, I noticed the wire shown in the picture smoking and melting. I reached over and turned the key off but the engine did not shut off. I took off the batt. cable and it stopped. The red battery wire was also melted from the engine to the ignition switch.

I recently put a new ignition switch in and am wondering if I might have switched the magneto wire and the cut-out wire. The switch has two (M's) and is not clear witch one is witch. I got the manual out and am in the process of replacing the burnt wires in the harness. I hope I can get it right this time!!!!!

My question is: The wire shown in the picture looks to go up to the magneto (tell me if I am wrong). Is this a project to replace? Please tell me I didn't ruin my motor!!! Any help/advice getting this fixed would be appreciated.

Thank you
Bill

 

[Gonash]

Re: 1972 Evinrude 40 HP. I fried some wires! Need help please..

I have a 75 and 77 35 horse.I have rewired 90 percent of both motors.It is hard to tell just where that wire is going.Their should be a terminal block on opp.side of motor. Check there first. Last option is to pull top off and physically trace the wire. Most of the wireing is easy to repair.