It just DIED....and the night was going so well

[gentner8]

1994 Bayliner Capri Mercruiser 3.0L motor.

On our way back to the ramp after a two hour ride, I throttled back to the no wake speed and the motor just stopped. I have no power to the key, and no lights in the guages. I checked the breaker in the motor compartment and it wasn't tripped. I checked the switch in the throttle and is was in the run position. I have power to the other things like the blower, light etc.
I wiggled connections. New battery, alternator and starter. If the battery failed, wouldn't I still have lights in the guages if the blower motor still runs (runs full power, not weak).

Luckily we were not the last ones in last night and a were able to catch a tow with a very generous person.

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: It just DIED....and the night was going so well

There should be a fuse (square plastic looking piece) on the starter. I'd check that first.

 

[Don S]

Re: It just DIED....and the night was going so well

There should also be a 20A fuse under the dash going to the red/purple wire on the ignition switch.

 

[gentner8]

Re: It just DIED....and the night was going so well

I found the fuse, and it was a 15 amp (blown). I only had a ten amp on hand to try. But it popped too. Im heading out to get the 20amp and will try that. I check many connections and wiggled a few. I dont see a lot of corrosion anywhere, but I may not be looking in the right place. I will post back in a few with the results of the 20amp.

 

[gentner8]

Re: It just DIED....and the night was going so well

both a 20 and 25 amp pop the second i turn the ignition to run.
A new starter and alternator were installed a few months ago, but that was a simple wire off wire on situation.

I also disconnected the coil wire clips to see if that made any difference and it still blew.

Where should I start to look from here?

 

[Don S]

Re: It just DIED....and the night was going so well

Did you install ANYTHING on the boat lately? Especially around the helm area or where a screw may contact some wiring?

 

[JT!]

Re: It just DIED....and the night was going so well

you've got a short to ground in either your wiring or a blown component, or you have too many loads (any new devices?).​

if you can, start with all devices disconnected, and add one on until you blow a fuse.​

**first, double check that your wires aren't chaffed bare anywhere.
**also do all testing in silence, you may hear crackling from a bad wire or component. have listeners (kids) handy.​

 

[gentner8]

Re: It just DIED....and the night was going so well SOLVED!!

Re: It just DIED....and the night was going so well SOLVED!!

I disconnected everything that had power on the motor. Alternator, coil, distributor etc.....Plugged the fuse in and it was fine. Just started connecting them one by one. We found an exposed wire in the loom that runs over the exhaust manifold barely rubbed through. I cleaned and taped it up. Then taped the crap out of it so it would have a nice "wear layer"

Hopefully the problem is solved for good, if not, I now have a much better idea of how to troubleshoot it out on the water.

Thanks for all the input everyone!