Battery terminal hot. Melted

[pcpatrick]

I have a 1985 or so Mercury 40hp. The battery terminals melted. I did not notice any smoke or sparks the last time I took the boat out. I checked wires and can not see any that are cut or touching one another. I put another battery on it and turned the starter a few times & the positive terminal on the battery became hot quickly. What may be causing this?

 

[suzukidave]

Re: Battery terminal hot. Melted

A short circuit. Check all your wires all the way in all directions to the terminals. Does it get hot only when the ignition is on and motor running, or even when just sitting there all hooked up?

 

[pcpatrick]

Re: Battery terminal hot. Melted

Apparently just when turning the starter. Just turned it over about four times. The positive stayed cool and the negative became hot.

 

[DJ]

Re: Battery terminal hot. Melted

pcpatrick,<br /><br />The only thing that causes hot wires/terminals is excessive resistance somewhere.<br /><br />Remove every connection (one at a time) and clean thoroughly.<br /><br />I would bet it is the negative ground on the engine.