1983 Omc 3.8 V6

[Jaybo44]

I have a 1983 Sea Ray with an omc(GM) 3.8 V6 sterndrive that when I hook a battery up to it, I only get power to the starter and the solenoids on top of the motor. There is no power going to the controls. I used a test light to see if there is power coming from the big plug that all the wires from the front of the boat goes into, and there is nothing. I dont see any kind of kill switch anywhere. What could be causing this???

 

[jerryjerry05]

Sometimes there's another wire that hooks to the positive side of the battery.
Also check the fuses under the dash, some have a fuse that sends power to the dash.
There's a 50amp fuse someplace on your motor(should be??) see if that's blown.
There might be a fuseable link(at the starter) that can go bad and the 12v doesn't get to the boat?

 

[Scott Danforth]

power does from the big round connector, up to the helm to the key switch. from there, it goes back to the engine.

in the factory manual is the schematic. check power at the correct pin at the engine. if you have power, then check up at the helm at the key switch. if you dont have power, check the fuse at the starter.

 

[kenny nunez]

Check the fuses near the top rear of the engine. They are 50 amp. Trace one of the #10 red wires from the main solenoid and you will find them.
Sometimes the holders get loose or there is corrosion built up.

 

[Jaybo44]

Thanks yall. With your help, I found the fuse and replaced it. I now have power to the helm. Ive been looking at the fuse housings all along and thought they were just plugs. Thanks again.. Now that I have power I have another issue. When I hit the trim button, up or down, all I get is the solenoid clicking. What could be causing that???
This boat was a real good friend of mine. We were supposed to start trying to get it running, and the night before, my friend passed away. Heart attack.I bought it from his wife for a real good price, the engine looks good, outdrive looks to be in decent shape, and the interior has a few tares here and there. Anyways my friend was like family and I wanted to try to get it on the water in his honor. I dont have alot of money to throw at it but I think It shouldn't be a problem. So I say again, thank you for any advice anyone has on it. It means the world to me.

 

[jerryjerry05]

IF??? it clicks!! that shows the solenoids getting power.
The real test is with a test light: 2 lugs on the solenoid, one should have power just setting there, then the other should get power through the solenoid if you hit the switch. Test light should be in everybody's tool box.
The solenoid can be replaced with a GM auto solenoid.

 

[kenny nunez]

Are you asking about the actual drive tilt or the hydraulic trim that is under the engine? If the boat has been laid up for a long time then sometimes the brushes in the electric motors get stuck and that will keep them from operating.
If the boat has been stored outside it may have gotten filled with water just enough to enter the motors.
Try to post some pictures.

 

[Jaybo44]

The engine trim. That moves the engine uop and down works but the tilt that lifts the outdrive is just clicking. Also, I have 3 test lights . I dont.leave home without one.

 

[kenny nunez]

If the solenoids are both good then you will have to pull the tilt motor. If you have experience with this type of motor you should be able to get it going again by opening it up and freeing the brushes.
Be careful when you remove the motor not to lose the nylon washer on the motor shaft and the spring loaded coupler.
If the motor is beyond repair, Sierra # 18-6755 is the Prestolite replacement.

 

[Jaybo44]

I want to thank everbody for the help. The tilt and trim solenoids needed cleaned up and tilt and trim works great. Ive got the old boat running now and now just have to see what she does in the water.. Thanks again.