No power to dash/ignition? 1988 Sunbird

CDUB89

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Apr 20, 2020
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I just bought a 17 ft 1988 Sunbird with a 3.0 Cobra as a project boat and the first thing I noticed is I cannot get power to the dash for the ignition/horn/blower switch etc. The only power I seem to be getting is in the tilt/trim button on the forward/reverse shifter. What fuses/relays/etc do I need to check to get power to the dash? I am trying to resize my pictures so I can upload them. Once I am able to upload I will asap. Thank you for any advice and tips.
 

alldodge

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Mar 8, 2009
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42,648
You need to get a voltmeter and trace the wiring.

Won't be able to upload pics until you have a few more post

This is the OMC wiring and its for a V8 but will work for yours also

OMC Engine Wiring.jpg
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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Jul 23, 2011
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Welcome aboard

first, go back to make sure your battery terminals, battery cables, starter terminals, etc are clean
second, make sure the large 50 amp circuit breaker isnt tripped or bad
third, follow the harness to make sure all the connections are good
4th, check your ignition switch.
 

CDUB89

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Apr 20, 2020
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4
Alright thank you for the advice and assistance the 50 amp circuit was blown and I replaced it and kept searching and I found at the ignition switch when turned on it causes the gauges to move like normal startup but then within about 30 seconds, it blows the ignition switch fuse. Any idea where I need to look next>?
 

alldodge

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Alright thank you for the advice and assistance the 50 amp circuit was blown and I replaced it and kept searching and I found at the ignition switch when turned on it causes the gauges to move like normal startup but then within about 30 seconds, it blows the ignition switch fuse. Any idea where I need to look next>?

Look at the drawing above. The ignition powers everything on the motor like coil, choke, ESA, ALT, gauges and others. Disconnect some of the components and replace fuse. Turn ignition ON and see if fuse blows again. If it does not little by little reconnect items.

Keep in mind a bad gauge can short things out

Best of luck
 
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