Never seen this. Need the gurus

[fireman57]

Success! Knew it had to be something simple. Auxilary hot lead for the lights rubbed against a screw under the boat and would touch it intermittently. That is why I would get a reading one time and not the next. Moved it and fixed it and get no readings at all now. Still doesn't explain how the shift cable picked up 10 volts though when it never touches anything. It's the old long line cable, pre '79. plastic on engine side and into plastic in the control box. Thanks for all the ideas as it did help me eliminate some things. Keep up the good work and I will try to be on more. Used to be on all the time but life and aging parents have taken a lot of time. Best of luck to everyone.

 

[fireman57]

figured out how the shift cable picked up voltage. The ball that holds it in the control is metal and picked it up from it being mounted on the fence of the pontoon. Evidently it makes contact with the small wires surrounding the main wire in the shift cable.

 

[gm280]

Great find. I was sure it had to be something like that to make cables glow red hot. That takes a huge amount of current. Happy boating. :thumb:

 

[jakedaawg]

Time to install some fuses.

 

[fireman57]

That is the only thing that isn't fused. I ran that to my buss bar from the battery and everything is fused that comes off there.

 

[jakedaawg]

Like i say, when in doubt, fuse it

 

[jakedaawg]

That last one is an inside joke with a guy who only reads this form and doesn't post. Not directed at you the original poster.

 

[tblshur]

i would check battery pos lead where it enters cowl and all clamps make sure it isnt shorted ,also unhook red lead from rectifier see if that helps .hope this helps

 

[fireman57]

tblshur thanks but I found the problem already. Don't worry Jake no offense taken.