Reasons main fuse blows?

[viewvariant]

Hello,
Looking for a problem. I have a 1995 90hp Force/Mercury on an 18' Spectrum. Took the boat out Sunday and everything seemed fine until starting the boat after fishing a while. I turned the key and had no power to the starter. Finally, I checked the main fuse by the voltage regulator and saw that it had blown. Replaced the fuse and we were off. BUT, not without that fuse popping 3 more times. Where should I start my search? The condition hasn't happened in the garage, but I am not running the motor nor am I on water.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Eric

 

[Robert D]

Re: Reasons main fuse blows?

Just looked at the Solec wiring diagram.....if yours has the red/purple wire between the starter soloenoid to the fuse, and then a red wire coming off the fuse......the fuse protects the hot wire to your ignition switch. That means something wired to your ignition switch has or had a short. Could be a stereo, fish finder, one of those 12 volt coolers that draw way too many amps could have overloaded it, etc, etc.

 

[Robert D]

Re: Reasons main fuse blows?

If those colors match, then you have the Force Control Box for your ignition......there's another diagram, model year unspecified......refers to engine serial number series, with slightly different wiring, with different colors to the fuse. Let me know if the colors don't match.....and include the engine serial number.

Note: If the colors match.....the short is somewhere between that fuse and whatever accessories powered through the ignition switch. Not engine related. You should be able to turn your key on, and start checking each accessory. Lights, radio, etc. Jiggle wires around. But if you have a 12 volt lighter socket installed for that electric cooler and it was plugged in......try it and see what happens

 

[viewvariant]

Re: Reasons main fuse blows?

How about a fuel leak dripping on the tilt/trim switch mounted on the engine case?

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Reasons main fuse blows?

Doubtful. Fuel is relatively non-conductive. and the switch only has two wires. If they were shorted together, the trim motor would run. The switch itself is waterproof and plastic. Almost impossible to short to the shroud it is mounted to.

 

[viewvariant]

Re: Reasons main fuse blows?

Thank you all. Haven't had a chance to look for the short, but thanks for the direction.

E