No power to my dash panel or starter

[sam.thompson]

Working to restore my families old MFG Boat.
While doing some engine work, i reached up to turn the key. Note: (at this point, all the lights on the dash usually light up). I turn the key, the engine clicks once then nothing. I look down to discover none of the lights are working on the dash now. I pulled out my multi tester, tested the power coming into the fuse panel, it's Hot. The main power coming to the dash connects to a voltage gauge on the dash, then jumps over the key switch, same lugs that send the Hot to the fuse panel. If it's hot to the fuse panel, it should be hot to the battery gauge and key switch, Correct? If so; would having a bad key switch because causing the problem as to why I'm not getting power anywhere else past that point?

1972 MFG ski boat.
mercruiser 165hp, inline 6.

 

[Don S]

Re: No power to my dash panel or starter

I turn the key, the engine clicks once then nothing.

Sounds like a loose or corroded battery terminal or connection. You might get a reading on a volt meter, but it won't handle any amperage.

Clean all the cable ends, and tighten them down with a wrench. Not wingnuts, then it might go for you.

 

[sam.thompson]

Re: No power to my dash panel or starter

Well if I'm getting even the reading on a volt meter, would the dash lights be drawing so much that they wouldn't come on due to the amperage? I figured they would still come on but possibly not?