electrical malfunction

[wingnuts]

Have winterized my straight inboards for years without a hitch. This time I was draining the block when wrench hit starter hot cable and sparks flew. Was unable to start engine to pour antifreeze in intake. Ignition powers guages on dash but nothing happens when trying to engage starter. HELP??
Thanks for any assistance, this is my first time on board this site!!

 

[Bondo]

Re: electrical malfunction

Ayuh,... Welcome Aboard....

You'll have to Identify just What motors We're talkin' about before We can Help...

 

[Fishermark]

Re: electrical malfunction

HELP??
Thanks for any assistance, this is my first time on board this site!!

First - welcome aboard!

Second - the biggest help is to remind you to disconnect your battery before wreching near the starter.

Then, maybe a little more helpful, you might have a big square fuse on your starter. If so, take it off and bolt the cable directly to the starter and see if that helps.

 

[wingnuts]

Re: electrical malfunction

OK Thanks. FYI It is an Indmar fuel injected 350. There is a rectangular box attached to starter. I will attempt to bypass it and see what happens. Will let you know. Thanks.

 

[Don S]

Re: electrical malfunction

There is a rectangular box attached to starter. I will attempt to bypass it and see what happens.

Wouldn't it be a good idea to have some idea as to what that "Square Box" is before you just blindly bypass it? Maybe even a year, incase they should do something silly like changing from year to year?

 

[wingnuts]

Re: electrical malfunction

It is a '99 Indmar Monsoon in a Malibu Response same year.

 

[Bondo]

Re: electrical malfunction

There is a rectangular box attached to starter. I will attempt to bypass it and see what happens.

Ayuh,....

If it's about a 1/2" square, with a tab bolted to the starter,+ the battery lug bolted to the other side,....
It's Probably the Liberal Lawyer's Fuse....
If So,...
Take it off,+ deep 6 it,... bolt the battery wire back on, then go Boatin'....
Just be forwarned,...
The next time the Sparks won't Stop so quickly......

 

[Les Robb]

Re: electrical malfunction

On the same note, always remove rings and watches before working on the electrical system. Then you can safely remove negative cable first without harm to you or your system. If you don't belive it go to step two listed below.

For chuckles with your ring on grab a long wrench and try to take the positive terminal off first. Then to add interest just allow the ring on your finger that is in contact with the wrench to contact any metal in the vicinity grounded to the system. Wow, DC voltage melts metal. Guess your finger might be hurting from the heat.

In case your wondering, years back I pulled this little trick.

Ouch

 

[Fishermark]

Re: electrical malfunction

In case your wondering, years back I pulled this little trick.

Ouch

Actually - I've done both myself and have learned the hard way.

The picture in my avatar is my daily driver - a 56 Chevy that I have owned for over 30 years now. Once, when working on the starter, before removing the negative cable I went to remove the power cable and shorted the wrench against the metal brake line. Great! I now get to replace that as well. (At least it wasn't the fuel line!)

Another time, I was working under the dash and my big class ring happened provide a good conductor between a positive connector and the ground. Instant melting and heat. Not a good thing. :redface:

Now I always disconnect the negative cable before wrenching anywhere close to the electrical connections.