1978 800 Thunderbolt electrical issues

[1978Merc800Thblt]

Showed up to the lake, forgot key, got impatient and made a pretty sad attempt at hotwiring the ignition switch that has a Suzuki key (colors match, but some of it has been Frankensteined as its not a Merc switch).

When I got the key, nothing happened. There is power coming out of the switch for choke and start, but nothing at the solenoids. The mechanical side of the motor is pretty sound, but the wiring needs some attention, even prior to my shenanigans. There is what looks like a light blue colored ground diode that goes to a small plastic piece with brass inserts, does anyone know the name of those pieces? The straps/wires are very corroded.

I'm trying to track down new parts. The rectifier seems to be easy to find, but I can't determine what those ground pieces are called. A friend I will be with next week can help me with testing ect. Is there a wiring diagram for the motor? I'd like to get the electrical side cleaned up and dependable as this motor is on a flat bottom aluminum hull with a jet pump and I fish several different rivers.

You you all!

 

[Chris1956]

The power to the starter solenoid goes thru the neutral safety switch. Make sure the motor is in neutral. You may need to rock the throttle handle, while holding the keyswitch in the start position, to get her to crank.

There should be a mercury switch on the front cowling support. They are often light blue. They ground (kill) the ignition when the motor is tilted up. Not sure what the brass inserts are.

You can get a wiring diagram at the maxrules web site. A 1978 Merc 800 will be a 4 coil ADI ignition.