Check those electrical connections!

[Gas Giant]

This isn't a request for info post; just a post to reiterate how important good electrical connections are.

I recently put a '78 85hp Johnson on my Cobia. It started right up at the seller's house, but a week later when I got it on my boat, it would turn over, but wouldn't even sputter. Largely due to the heat and my frustration, I threw in the towel after about 10 minutes of trying to fire it up.

Today, I decided to try again since I was in a better mood, and noticed that two of my electrical connections weren't very tight - the battery cable end on the starter solenoid was loose, and the negative battery cable on the battery wasn't very tight. Cranked them both down good, and the engine fired up with MAYBE 1 revolution of the crankshaft.

So, just a reminder of how important tight electrical connections are!

 

[Fed]

Re: Check those electrical connections!

Now would be a good time to remove & clean all those heavy connections, (6) in total.
I use a tiny bit of Vasoline on them, more or less wiped clean.
That may start an argument in here, stay tuned.

 

[wilde1j]

Re: Check those electrical connections!

If you've got wing nuts on the battery terminals, remove them and throw them as far as you can. Replace with SS hex nuts and washer ... tighten with a socket wrench. Loose connections can fry the regulator/rectifier (over $100).

 

[Gas Giant]

Re: Check those electrical connections!

I did forget to mention that I did go through and check how tight all the connections were. The engine uses automotive style battery terminals - at least that is what is on there now - no clue what might have been there originally.

 

[BonairII]

Re: Check those electrical connections!

Since we're talking about connections....what is Dielectric grease? And when and where should it be used?