Electrical Fire VR on Merc 150XL

[DTL504]

Went outside and took the cowl off to see how to wire my battery switch for two batteries. To my suprise I walked into an electrical fire that has melted my upper and lower voltage regulator (VR) and burned some of the wires leading from the starter to the VR. I have no idea how this happen, the boat was in the water last Thursday and I flushed the engine Friday but I never pulled the cowl off the motor.

What could have cause the VR to burn all the wires and I have smoke soot on the starter and this side of the engine. take a look at the photos.

 

[maxturbo]

Re: Electrical Fire VR on Merc 150XL

Wow only two things i could think of that would cause that.
One it was over charging which caused it to over heat and burn.
second a power wire might have touched ground causing a short

Whatever the case I would like to know myself. I have the same motor mine is a 2001.
Good luck let us know what you find.