Negative wires not reconnected

[Onexl85]

Recently purchased a rirnker 242 with a 5.0 merc. Going through the boat with a fine tooth comb and I discovered that the grounds ( about 12 wires) had been disconnected from the engine. What gives? Everything ran and worked fine without them connected to it must have a secondary path to ground. Weird stuff

 

[kenny nunez]

It will not hurt to re-connect them to avoid a voltage spike.

 

[Scott06]

I found some unused grounds when doing a 4.3 to 5.0 repower. Boat ran fine with them tucked in the harnes or attached to nearest possible ground. Asummed was there for accessories not on my engine.

 

[Onexl85]

These were just flopping in the bilge. People do some funny stuff!

 

[Bondo]

and I discovered that the grounds ( about 12 wires) had been disconnected from the engine. What gives?

Ayuh,.... Sounds like a lazy mechanic had the motor out, 'n 1/2 azzed put it back together,.....

Bondin' wires are Important,.....
Not only do they supply a solid ground path, but also stop electrolysis,....

There's a thread right now on page 1 that shows a rotten tiller arm, that wasn't bonded properly,....