Where does this ground wire go?

[amishboy]

Can anyone tell me where this ground wire might go? I think it's from the alternator according to my wiring diagram, but there is no ground listed in the diagram.

 

[BassnKY]

Re: Where does this ground wire go?

I cannot tell from the picture but it looks like a single wire coming from the bolt holding on the distributor. Is this correct?
It might be the wire that goes to the bolt on top of the rubber isolating the frame for vibration.
What is the model, HP, and S/N (So I can look at the pick on mercurypartsexpress.com)

 

[amishboy]

Re: Where does this ground wire go?

1973 Merc 650 65 hp

 

[BassnKY]

Re: Where does this ground wire go?

Do you have the serial number? With Mercury, you have to have that to look up parts and diagrams. 3 Cylinders?

 

[amishboy]

Re: Where does this ground wire go?

3664648 3 cyl

 

[BassnKY]

Re: Where does this ground wire go?

According to the distributor diagram it is the "CABLE ASSEMBLY, ADAPTOR TO FRONT SUPPORT BRACKET"
See this link
http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show_Pictures3.asp?dnbr=%2065151&ivar=images/MERMAR/65151/10.png&inbr=465&bnbr=6&bdesc=DISTRIBUTOR+ADAPTOR+AND+THROTTLE+LINKAGE

see part #8 in the lower window.

It should go to the cowling support bracket and grounds the bracket to the engine.

 

[amishboy]

Re: Where does this ground wire go?

Ok, great I see that. Thanks. I doubt this is what is causing the engine to not start.

 

[BassnKY]

Re: Where does this ground wire go?

It could if the starter is also grounded to this frame and that wire thus completes the circuit.
You will know as soon as you reconnect it.
Good luck!

 

[BassnKY]

Re: Where does this ground wire go?

I just looked at the pic again and it looks like the solenoid is mounted to this bracket but I cannot tell for sure. Is it?

 

[amishboy]

Re: Where does this ground wire go?

I'm not sure which bracket you are talking about. Is it the one with the rubber piece on it?

 

[amishboy]

Re: Where does this ground wire go?

The wiring diagrams from Seloc Online leave much to be desired... The starter is on the opposite side of the motor. I'm not sure where the solenoid is.

 

[westexasrepublic]

Re: Where does this ground wire go?

yep that top nut that holds the bracket with the rubber deal thats where it goes, undoe tthat nut then put wire on bolt and button down.

 

[BassnKY]

Re: Where does this ground wire go?

The solenoid it the part with the LARGE yellow wire coming off of it (Going up) in your pic. ?This is what the key start is hooked to and initiates the starter.
If it is attached to that bracket, the ground circuit need to be completed.

 

[amishboy]

Re: Where does this ground wire go?

I hooked up the wire, and yes the solenoid ground also went to the frame. Still nothing. Keep in mind, my 1st boat... I wiggled the shift lever and away she went... It wasn't quite kicked all the way into neutral. Next time I start with the simple things. Thanks for all your help! My frustration level would have been at "time to sell" without it.

 

[BassnKY]

Re: Where does this ground wire go?

amishboy:
No problem!!!
Keep an eye on the shift lever. If it keeps getting more and more picky about the position, the switch could be going out.
Good luck!!!