1976 merc 850 harness problem

[budman8330]

Hey guys, not new to the site, lost my computer acess for awhile and just bought a new one so I had to re-register. <br /><br />Anyways, here is my problem. I have a 1976 merc 85 hp (850) with a side mount wiring harness. I have been having problems getting it started. I have to play with the harness in order to get it to kick over via key switch. Last time we were out i had to jump the solenoid with a screwdriver to start it. I cleaned every terminal, used a dremel with a small wirewheel on it to clean inside the terminals on the female end of the harness, and still nothing. I cleaned the main cables, everything inside the motor cover and still nothing. It's a royal pain in the *** and i have to get the boat out soon. I really don't want to be jumping the solenoid. The harness isnt in great shape, but passable. <br /><br />Should i just replace the entire harness ? Or is there some way to fix the solder connection that may have gone haywire ? The reason i ask is because funds are tight right now, and if i dont have to replace the entire harness, i wont until next year . <br /><br />Thanks in advance guys!

 

[ricksrster]

Re: 1976 merc 850 harness problem

Are you sure it is the harness and not the key Switch? You can test the harness and the key switch for continuity with an Ohm meter. You can also test the recepticle on the aide of the motor. Make sure the wiring connections are tight also. If a wire is broke in the harness, you might be able to splice a new wire above the plug.

 

[Laddies]

Re: 1976 merc 850 harness problem

Test the system with a voltmeter to see if the problem is in the engine or boat harness, most harnesses are tough to repair inless you bypass the plug in with jumpers, you can buy replacement plugins from Rapair

 

[budman8330]

Re: 1976 merc 850 harness problem

We tested the key switch, checks out ok....<br /><br />I'm 90% sure its in the harness. <br /><br />But will check everything else thanks for the advice guys !