Help Re-Wiring Evinrude 88 SPL

HopelessDad

Cadet
Joined
Nov 13, 2017
Messages
11
Hoping someone can help me! My son (9) and I are completely re-wiring a Privateer and I'm stumped with a few bundles coming from the motor to the console.

I obviously know nothing about boats. That said I've downloaded schematics others have posted and I think we can handle setting up the dual batteries and all the other "basics". But I don't want to mess around with the motor. So hoping to get some advice!!

The Evinrude 88 SPL runs (ran) great two weeks ago when we picked it up from the mechanic. But now we're home and there's literally no power at all and I can't figure what to do with these. The boat doesn't have any instrument gauges at all. So I believe these will connect to them but not entire sure. If anyone has any suggestions I'd really appreciate it!

Hopefully these links to the pictures work. Thank you again!!!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/c3MxgET4UOQIldoD2
https://photos.app.goo.gl/s0Y4X2xkaLlVu0dw1
https://photos.app.goo.gl/NQXOcWdTsKVUSEKo1
 

alldodge

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Mar 8, 2009
Messages
43,241
The motor was running fine 2 weeks ago, if it no longer runs what happened?

This one looks like a trim sender

IMG_5467.JPG

This looks like a digital pigtail

IMG_1279.jpg

Main connector

IMG_1278.jpg

Where did these come from?
 

HopelessDad

Cadet
Joined
Nov 13, 2017
Messages
11
The mechanic hooked the motor up to a battery there at his shop. But unplugged it before I trailered home.

These are all at the console but honestly I can't remember which are coming from the throttle/trim or if they're from the motor. The boat has the new controller.

Does the trim sender connect to anything? I imagine the digital pigtail and the main connector plug into instruments/gauges?
 

alldodge

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Staff member
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Mar 8, 2009
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43,241
Going to need more pics but here is what might be happening.
You have a 1988 motor and the control which was installed is new or at least newer. The pieces I'm seeing is for new motors and not for your vintage. The trim sender is used on motors with power trim, and again may not fit yours.

What controller did you get
 

racerone

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 28, 2013
Messages
38,892
The 88 model will have a big red plug on the motor.-----Hurry and RUN to a dealer as he may be able to find / order an adapter cable for the newer controls on the boat.-------Mistakes with wiring can get expensive in a hurry !
 

kjdunne

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Sep 22, 2007
Messages
370
Let's get the model # & year of this motor. HopelessDad said it's a 88 spl, not a 1988 model year. If it's a '96 or newer, the connectors he shows are correct for it. The 1st photo is definitely the overheat alarm horn. The 2 blue crimp-ons in the last photo are not original, a repair or mod by a previous owner. The model # will be on a sticker on the transom bracket.
 

HopelessDad

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Joined
Nov 13, 2017
Messages
11
Sorry delay. I took some pictures and hopefully you are able to see them through this link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/p8OiiWkc2SF4QJpt2 .

Not sure what the year is on the motor. Where can I find that? Unfortunately there's no badge or sticker on the transom either since he re-enforced it and glassed over.

I know that the owner switched over to the "new" controls. He made it sound like it was a big deal?

MUCH appreciated help!!!
 

HopelessDad

Cadet
Joined
Nov 13, 2017
Messages
11
Okay. Only three numbers stamped on the motor that I could find. Its the last three (3) pictures in the file
 

racerone

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 28, 2013
Messages
38,892
CU makes it an 87 model.----You will need to make up your own terminal board or see a dealer for an adapter cable.
 

V153

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Apr 16, 2011
Messages
1,764
Motor is old school "Big red plug". Control is new BRP. Not sure you can buy a wiring harness adapter for that combo.
 

V153

Lieutenant Commander
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Apr 16, 2011
Messages
1,764
There is an adapter available for the post '96 OMC control box to big red plug. But I dunno about the BRP.

If I may. It might behoove you to sell/trade the newer control in exchange for one that matches the motor. Pre '96.
 

jbuote

Lieutenant Junior Grade
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Aug 17, 2016
Messages
1,001
I know that the owner switched over to the "new" controls. He made it sound like it was a big deal?

Curious...
​Does this mean the PO already got the adapter and installed it so it's really a matter of what from the adapter plugs into what on the console OR
​Is there really no adapter from RED plug to newer control yet, so it needs to be acquired?
 

V153

Lieutenant Commander
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Apr 16, 2011
Messages
1,764
Well, it's a "big deal" if'n ya cain't make the sob run ...
 
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