Kicker Motor Shock

[MJC]

Have a welded aluminum boat with an 8 hp merc kicker - mounted on an OMC shock assist bracket. <br />Started with feeling a tingle while holding the tiller, then have had a shock coming through to the hull. Was getting shocked the last 3 or 4 times out - in varying conditions.<br /> <br />So I have a mobile electric repair tech out to look into it ----- and of course - I can't make it happen. ( in the water, took it out for a spin to soak everything, etc....) <br />Plug wires look good, good tight connections to the plugs, no bare or worn wires visible........... pulled some ground leads off, cleaned them and reconnected and spray protected them, but won't know if that is it till running again. Motor runs like a champ as well. <br />Anyone have ideas?

 

[ob1jeeper]

Re: Kicker Motor Shock

Sounds almost as if there is a battery positive side wiring, either from the battery directly or possibly a trolling motor, or depth guage, or running lights, or ???, somehow coming into contact with the hull. Then when you hold onto the tiller (which should be battery ground), you are providing the connective path to cause a shock.<br /><br />Good Luck, Obiwan Jeeper

 

[Boatist]

Re: Kicker Motor Shock

MJC<br />I have never herd of this so just gessing here. 12 volts DC like a normal battery voltage you will not be able to feel.<br /><br />My first guess would be wire to your kill switch or wire to switch that kill motor if you fall overboard has a short.<br /><br />Since you have checked plug wires next I would check spark plug coils and if it has a triger coil under flywheel I would check that also.<br /><br />If it has a alternator then the alternator coil would be my last guess.<br /><br />Would really like to here what you find.

 

[Valv]

Re: Kicker Motor Shock

MJC, how old is your kicker ?<br /><br />I had a 7.5hp '70s merc that was sparking through inside cowl once in a while, in fact it did catch on fire once <br /><br />Turned out to be a coil which was discharging throug top cover, which wasn't possible to check without it since recoil rope was built into cover, and I had to leave it on to start it.<br /><br />I think if you have a shock, or tingle through you, it has to be high voltage (like spark plugs, coils, etc.) since you won't feel anything from regular battery 12v. Also static charges can be felt very well, but I don't know how you get one on a boat.

 

[MJC]

Re: Kicker Motor Shock

Thanks for the ideas. <br /><br />Kill switch is in end of tiller handle so I will take it apart and check wiring - good idea.<br /><br />Valv- it is a 92 I believe. Don't think it could be arcing to the cowl because the cowl is fiberglass. Doesn't show any signs of arcs either. <br /><br />Will post back as I check items out - but may be awhile as I need to be operating on the water to test. <br />thanks again

 

[ob1jeeper]

Re: Kicker Motor Shock

Boatist is correct on the 12V not normally being capable of producing a shock that you'd be able to feel... unless there is a bunch of amps being discharged... (which would tend to jump a pretty good spark...)<br /><br />I'd think that if the kill switch were shorted to the tiller handle, the motor would die rather than simply produce a shock, but it's certianly worth a look-see...<br /><br />While pretty remote, as any issues with the secondary ignition system typically show up as a mis-fire or low power, I suppose there is always a possibility of some sort of secondary ignition (high voltage) "leakage", past a broken or damaged plug wire, or coil or ???<br /><br />Good Luck, Obiwan Jeeper

 

[MJC]

Re: Kicker Motor Shock

Follow up - <br />Only had the boat out once -<br />Cleaned and retightened the ground? connections at the powerhead - sprayed sealer on it - seems to have solved the problem. <br />Thanks for the help all.