Starter Connection

[jmatteo1]

I have a Merc 898 and on the hot lead of the starter there are 2 connections. One is the cable from the battery, the other appears to be the hot feed for everything else (instrument panel, blower, pump, etc.) Yesterday I had her running, and she quit when I tried to put her in gear(another topic) When it died I lost all power. I tracked it down to that second lead, which is connected to the starter through a copper plate with a small black plastic square. I am wondering what this part is and what is it's function? I removed it and found a small broken connection inside. I connected the wire without it and got power back on my panel & to all of my switches. Please help. Thanks, in advance

 

[Don S]

Re: Starter Connection

It sounds like the fuse used on the newer Merc engines, usually 90 amp.<br />They hooked up the accessory lead and alternator to the fuse, which seemd like a bad idea to me. If that fuse blows, so does your alternator. But it would make sense if it was used for either the accessory lead going to your inst. panel if you don't have any other fuse. Or maybe for a trim pump.<br /><br />

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Starter Connection

bypassing a blown 90 amp fuse is a bad idea. unless it blew due to a mechical failure something tried to draw more than 90 amps through it. 90 amps is more than enough to set insulation on fire. you could almost weld steel with 90 amps.

 

[Don S]

Re: Starter Connection

I meant hooking the alternator to that fuse was a bad idea.<br />Actually that fuse wasn't even used on an 898.

 

[jmatteo1]

Re: Starter Connection

Don, your drawing is correct. That is the item. It's definately blown, I'll try to replace it today. I only hooked it up without the fuse temporarily to check and see if it was the problem. I disconnected it immediately!! I am certain my engine is an 898, the boat is a '78. Thanks, AGAIN!!! Joe

 

[Don S]

Re: Starter Connection

Looks like they did use that fuse on the 898's. <br />The part number is 88-65093 and is not the 90 amp like the newer ones.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Starter Connection

DonS I agree with the alternator wiring. but I dont design them just fix them. I have seen bad starter cables blow that fuse. I was refering to his bypassing the fuse after it blew. its rare to see them fail. most I see fail were due to corrosion at the ends. one blown fuse and ill inspect everything. two and I dissasemble wire harness's and altenators to find it.

 

[jmatteo1]

Re: Starter Connection

Does anyone know how many amps the fuse is rated for?