another question for the wiz

[waxxer]

trying to locate a short in the engine any ideas on how to locate it i read something about checking to see if the wires suspected are hot to touch is this a viable means of locating or does anyone have an easier method that i may use(im a beginner to outboard repair)thanks for your help

 

[waxxer]

Re: another question for the wiz

hello anybody man wheres 12footer when ya need him

 

[Yepblaze]

Re: another question for the wiz

How do you know if it is a short? Is it blowing the fuse? <br /><br />If so..... Start dissconnecting items each by themselves, such as the ignition swith, or the engine connector, if so equiped. Try reconnecting the batery or replacing the fuse till you isolate when it blows the fuse. <br /><br />First you should give it a visable once over looking for pinched wires wherever they run. Look to make sure no one drilled a screw through the harness somewhere, or just plain bared or broken wires around any connections such as where the harness leaves the engine or around the ing. sw. or shifter box.

 

[rlouns]

Re: another question for the wiz

Good response Yepblaze,<br /><br /> The only thing I will add is if there is no fuse in the wire the "touch and see if it is hot" will work.

 

[12Footer]

Re: another question for the wiz

Robert 4:45PM, just got online after some glasswerk....If it has no fuse in it, you need to put one in it. Unprotected circuits can literally catch fire, (which is un-good). <br />And the advise Yepblaze gave you about disconnecting in turn,to find it,is the best way. Another is with a volt/ohmeter. They are not hard to learn how to use,come with complete instructions, and a cheap one can be purchased for 12-15bukz. I keep a cheap one on the boat under the seat at all times.<br />You would disconnect both ends of the wire,and hook the ohmeter up to one end and to engine ground. If you have continuity, it is shorted to ground...Unless it IS a ground wire (this is where the good ol shop manual comes-in).<br />Good luck.

 

[waxxer]

Re: another question for the wiz

thanx fellas ive isolated it down to the rectifier disconnection of one of the red wires from the rectifier stops the negative battery line from sparking when its connected now does this mean my rectifier is bad or is the negative battery line supposed to spark(with the key out and kill switch off)i thought a spark on the neg means a short ty for all of your help guys

 

[waxxer]

Re: another question for the wiz

any answers to this second question

 

[Liam]

Re: another question for the wiz

If the negative battery terminal is sparking when contacted with the wire there is a draw and you are simply completing the circuit. Buy yourself a test light which connects between the wire anfd the terminal. When the light comes on you have something live or drawing from the battery. Disconnect each unit until the light goes out. You have then identified the circuit with the problem.<br /><br />Best of Luck<br /><br />Liam

 

[Rex]

Re: another question for the wiz

LIAM THAT WAS A GOOD WAY TO TELL SOMEBODY<br />HOW TO TROUBLE SHOOT. I WELL VOTE FOR YOU<br />LATER.<br />GOOD LUCK REX

 

[12Footer]

Re: another question for the wiz

If no appliances are running, (lights, finder,radio,bildge pump ect), there should be no spark at the battery terminal.I would think you found the problem if disconnecting the regulator removes the short.

 

[Liam]

Re: another question for the wiz

Thanks Rex,<br /><br />Liam

 

[waxxer]

Re: another question for the wiz

thanks again boys with out you guys i would be dead in the water lol