What's this wire on Rude 90

[onebohemian]

Have an '87 Evinrude 90, V4, model E90tlcur. There appears to be what I believe to be a short (maybe 5 inches) ground wire that is between the motor and the tilt-trim. The wire looks almost braided, is very course (can't be bent without breaking) and has no plastic coating on most of it. One end is underneath a screw/bolt. The problem is the other end of the wire isn't connected to anything and I can't see whether it broke off of somewhere or how it was once connected. Haven't had this motor and boat long enough to know whether it's always been broken off or somehow I did it. (I suspect by the fact that its' so corroded and brittle that it's been this way a very long while.) I have an OEM and Seloc manual and don't see this wire pictured or discussed anywhere although I'll admit I can't make heads or tails out of those wiring diagrams in the back of the books. Any ideas?<br /><br />Thanks, <br /><br />Mark<br />Minneapolis, MN

 

[Walker]

Re: What's this wire on Rude 90

That is a ground strap and at one time yours was pliable. One end will be grounded to the engine block somewhere. Look at the engine block mounts for a corroded end. You can make another out of 8 or 10ga. stranded insulated wire.

 

[gt5001968]

Re: What's this wire on Rude 90

I do believe on that 90hp, there is a connector right on the engine block where the block bolts to the cowling, thats where you will most likely find the connector that went bad.