5.0 EFI cobra sx vol-penta cutting out

[Chriscraft96]

1996 chris craft concept 19 with 5.0 EFI cobra sx intermittently cuts out while running on plane, normal rpm ranges, with all gages going away. Almost stalls then comes back without restart. OBD reading show's no error codes of any type. 1 owner very well kept. Fuel filter and regular maintain twice annual. Changed ignition switch as problem presents like key is turned off for a second or two. Did not resolve. All gages fall with lost electrical power, motor almost stalls then comes back with gages. . Boat runs great, normal temps, oil pressure, and water is smooth most times this happens. Checked all major connections and wires. Again it's like the ignition is turned off for a second, then back on.
Any guidance is greatly appreciated.

 

[alldodge]

Howdy

Did you actually remove the ground cable coming from the battery off the motor and bend it around to check for corrosion? If it was a battery switch, did you do the same with the cable ends? When the cannon plug was removed, were the pins clean and di it come apart easy?

 

[Chriscraft96]

Thanks AllDodge, i checked grounds and cleaned, all good. As boat is out of water, I left key ignition on and shook ,and moved cannon plug. I watched the 12v gauges go away. Did this several times, same result. So in my mind im replicating the problem. I separated plug and did not see corrosion. The plug is somewhat loose when joined. feels like the pins have some wiggle room and are not snug. I clamped it and was not able to recreate problem short term.

receiving end is on the engine side. Id like to replace but looks like a bear. May seek auto electrical professional to wire in new ends both sides.
Thoughts?
Thanks

 

[alldodge]

Most cannon pins are split down the middle, so take a thin knife and slide it down to increase the tension

 

[Chriscraft96]

I did as suggested. I cleaned both sides of the cannon plug connectors, and opened the pins best I could, without bending or breaking.
Ran boat for a couple hours without problem. Question I have is have you seen this resolve the problem for foreseeable future? Ive been looking for the cause, as the plug was never separated over my 20 year ownership. I suppose that all the bouncing and rough water have contributed to it getting a little loose over time. Time Fly's, just gotten old I guess.. Thanks for the advice and help!

 

[alldodge]

The big IF is if the connector was the issue then it does fix it. The hardest part about electrical problems is trying to find them. Years ago I pulled my cannon plug apart and it pulled the other side of the pins all together on a few. It was clearly seen as corrosion cased the issue, and the main reason is no dielectric grease was used and the hose clamp was loose. Everything in a moist environment not sealed will cause issues later