Wiring Trouble

xtreme872

Cadet
Joined
May 25, 2009
Messages
16
Cranked the boat the other day and the motor turned over and burnt the hot on post on the battery and melted the lead around it... Any idea on where to start... Short etc..
 

mkast

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Nov 6, 2002
Messages
1,934
Re: Wiring Trouble

Disassemble and clean both ends of the battery cables.
Better yet, replace with some larger cables.
 

danond

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Jun 11, 2007
Messages
1,118
Re: Wiring Trouble

Replace the cables and test again. If they burn up again, you have a solid short somewhere. Probably starter.
 

xtreme872

Cadet
Joined
May 25, 2009
Messages
16
Re: Wiring Trouble

Same cables that came on boat its a 1999... I guess the cables could be getting old huh?
 

dontask

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 5, 2009
Messages
177
Re: Wiring Trouble

It could have been a poor, loose, corroded connection right at the post. Just replace the terminal end with a new crimped terminal post connection. Or replace the one complete cable & make sure its tight and clean. Do not waste your money on those cheap fix it battery terminal lugs with the bolt down clamp for the wires. Resistance at the post to the cable clamp is what most likely caused the heat and melt down.
 

mkast

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Nov 6, 2002
Messages
1,934
Re: Wiring Trouble

Boat manufacturers install notoriously small battery cables.
Small cables have more resistance. More resistance, more heat.
If either end of either cable is loose or corroded, more resistance, more heat.
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,095
Re: Wiring Trouble

Same cables that came on boat its a 1999... I guess the cables could be getting old huh?

Nope,... The Positive Terminal was Dirty,...
That causes resistence, which causes Heat, which melted your battery...
 

180shabah

Rear Admiral
Joined
Mar 26, 2005
Messages
4,995
Re: Wiring Trouble

After replacing the battery and cables, buy a wire brush and keep the connections clean.
 
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