Frayed wire under stern drive

[summerwind1991]

1997 5.7 liter 210 horse mercruiser, while removing anodes yesterday, I noticed at the very bottom of the stern drive 3 bare wire, attached to stern drive. They look they might be ground wires. Anyway. one of them has frayed off and is no longer 'buttoned' or attached to the stern drive. <br /><br />Is this an issue?<br />How to reattach? These wires seemed to be attached by a very small button type nob(its corroded hard to tell?

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Frayed wire under stern drive

Those are ground wire.....And if broken should be replaced.

 

[summerwind1991]

Re: Frayed wire under stern drive

Thanks, what is the 'nob ' type piece they are attached too? Is does not look like it can be unscrewed. or does it pop off with a plyers?

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Frayed wire under stern drive

That is a continuity wire.It connects the transome plate to the belhousing.You will want to clean it up and replace it.Having all components connected ,there is less of a chance of stray current attacking any 1 part.Cant remember how they are attached.I think it is just a screw.You may have lost the head of the screw.It is important!!

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Frayed wire under stern drive

By the way,what does the wire look like???Is it a bare thick stainless looking wire or is it a copper looking wire that may have a plastic jacket on it.The contin. wire is thick,maybe about a 12 gage and the other is a much smaller wire,maybe 16-18.

 

[summerwind1991]

Re: Frayed wire under stern drive

wire is stainless steel looking, I;ll go out and check again but I am almost certain it isn't attached with a screw.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Frayed wire under stern drive

These wires seemed to be attached by a very small button type nob

I believe,.....<br />That's Supposed to be a Screw..........#6, or #8 SSteel.......

 

[Norm Malcosky]

Re: Frayed wire under stern drive

My guess would be it is part of the grounding/bonding system used on sterndrives and other boats to minimize corrosion. <br /><br />My VP drives has a number of wires connecting the metalic through-hull fittings to the drives and engines.<br /><br />I would definately reattach it to the engine - and with a lock washer.<br /><br />Norm . . .