Replacing wires in an old Merc

[kozanecki01]

I was looking inside my 69' Merc 800 the other day and noticed many wires that had the insulation around them crumbling away. Do I have to use exact replacement wires from MErcury, if there is such a thing, or can I get a certain gauge and type of wire from the hardware store/Radio Shack, etc. to replace these? They all seem very easy to get to and I'd like to replace them before the Spring. Any tips, as always, are greatly appreciated.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Replacing wires in an old Merc

Take a piece of existing wiring that's not burnt up to your local hardware store and get the same size stranded wire and replace it. Might want to go to the next size up to be sure. You might see if they have the same color wire as you have now, but no big deal if it's not..

 

[Kenny Bush]

Re: Replacing wires in an old Merc

Don't those older Mercs have the wires that "Unscrew" from the coils? Do we NOT need those screwin ends or can we buy splice-on screwin ends? I have been buying old used wires in good shape and going that way but if I can get new.... I will.

 

[kozanecki01]

Re: Replacing wires in an old Merc

Thanks for the help

 

[JoeW]

Re: Replacing wires in an old Merc

Make sure you get Marine grade wires and maintain the existing color scheme. The marine grade wires will resist deterioration from both water and oil. I'm wiring my boat and I got the new wire by buying a complete (new surplus)wiring harness from e-bay. It cost me $36.00 which is much cheaper than if I had purchased the same wire from West Marine.

 

[JoeW]

Re: Replacing wires in an old Merc

oops! Double post.

 

[toomanyboats]

Re: Replacing wires in an old Merc

Ive done alot of these rewire jobs lately,Heres what I do,I remove the loom and MARK EACH WIRE,then go to home depot and get THHN STRANDED wire it the color you need,remove all the tape on the harness to the lowest point,replace all the wires to the same lenth with all new connectors,dont tape back up yet,install the harness and route and retape and FISH.

 

[andrewkafp]

Re: Replacing wires in an old Merc

I replaced a couple of trigger wires and just used similar amp auto (Same colour). Had to strip the existing nearly all the way to the flywheel.<br />The new ones aren't tinned, but are a good site better than they were.. <br />Had no effect on running of motor, and I got advice from ??? where else !!! before I started the job.

 

[OBJ]

Re: Replacing wires in an old Merc

kozman....the link below will get you to Rapairs' catalog. They carry some Merc harness'. Maybe they got something you can use.<br /><br /> http://www.rapair.com/catalog/CDI040116/Catalog-A.html

 

[kozanecki01]

Re: Replacing wires in an old Merc

Thank you for your wisdom gentlemen!