Electric/Battery Help

[impalor419]

I have a 1989 135HP Yamaha outboard. Just connected 2 new batteries fully charged. My electric starter turns when I turn the key, nothing else. And my trim up and down move slow, sounding like week battery. Also there is a wire connected by a screw from the outside of motor going into lower unit. Assuming its some type of ground. That wire starts smoking. It started just fine before I winterized it. My 2 batteries are connected to a battery selector. And are connected the same as they have been last 4 boating seasons. Can anyone give me any help?

 

[Jeepster04]

Re: Electric/Battery Help

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[Silvertip]

Re: Electric/Battery Help

You stated that you connected two batteries! So how did you connect them? Are they connected to a dual battery switch? Are these two separate batteries -- 1 for starting and the other for a trolling motor, or what. No much to go on. HOWEVER -- when small ground wires start smoking that is a classic indication that the large battery cable connected between the negative post on the starting battery and the engine block is not connected, not connected securely, or the batteries are simply wired wrong. Current will take the path of least resistance so if that large cable is improperly connected, current will use the small wires which are often too small to carry high current so they get hot and smoke. Check your battery wiring -- carefully.

 

[VIPV162]

Re: Electric/Battery Help

Yep, something wrong in there somewhere. I'd bet that a cable got put on the wrong place. 2nd checking everything really carefully.