Possible short?

[Bozol]

I have a 2008 90 4stroke. Over the years I noticed that sometimes the battery would be dead after a day out - the trim would work but the engine wouldn't start. I thought for some reason that leaving the key in the slot (off) was draining and started taking it out as soon as the engine was off, and also brining one or two spare batteries. Yesterday had it out and normal happened - battery couldn't start motor - however this time an electrician was in the boat. Before starting the motor with a new battery we checked the trim at the motor and it worked fine. Started the engine no problems, put it into gear and then hit the throttle trim - motor died immediately. Assuming there is a short with the throttle trim and nothing to do with the key. Only other electrical device is a tach. Anybody have any similar issues? If it is a short what's best way to find it? Where is it most likely to be? Any thoughts appreciated.
Bozol

 

[BaileysBoat]

Re: Possible short?

Check the battery cables for resistance, then check the charging. The starter needs more current than the tilt and trim so any voltage drop will affect it first.

A weak battery can't support trim demand and will kill the motor.

 

[Toddboat]

Re: Possible short?

touch metal part of throttle control and of steering wheel to see if it tingles. mine does and I haven't been able to find the leak yet. it kills the battery after a day or so. not sure if its like that all the time or only when I turn the key... haven't had time to look into it, been chasing carb issues instead.
if your trim on the throttle handle is affecting the motor, maybe the neutral safety switch or lanyard kill switch wiring is somehow picking up an arc from the trim switch wiring. check all sheathing and connections of the wiring under the center console in the area below the controls.