SMOKE FRON UNDER DASH WHILE CRANKING

[Rod Holder]

Hi,<br />While trying to start my 470 Merc (probably fouled plugs, like a dummy I thought I would try something different, have yet to take a look), some smoke emerged from under the dash (can you say pucker). Eventually get it started.<br /><br />Do you think this came from the ignition switch wiring due to the amount of juice flowing thru ?<br /><br />Thanks guys......RH

 

[SeaRay24Sorrento]

Re: SMOKE FRON UNDER DASH WHILE CRANKING

Start w/ disconnecting the battery and have a look see under the dash. Loose or corroded wires maybe the culpret or maybe a mouse made his home up there this winter. Usually after the magic smoke escapes it pretty obvious where the problem lies. Did this occur during cranking or while the ignition was on? What year make and model of boat?

 

[KnottyBuoyz]

Re: SMOKE FRON UNDER DASH WHILE CRANKING

Hey Rod<br /><br />I know that ain't good. Don't do what I did and stick your hand under there while you turn the key! Wohooooooo! I still have the scars to prove it. What's your volt meter at when you're cranking? Chances are you've got some crispy wires now. Disconnect from battery and have a look. Hard starting is a sure sign everything isn't right.<br /><br />I had similar problems. First one was two ign wires to each side of the coil, fried the coil and ign module. Second was the starter had to be rebuilt. Meter showed only 6 volts when I turned the key to accessory.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: SMOKE FRON UNDER DASH WHILE CRANKING

I wonder what something different was ....<br /><br />At any rate some Mercruiser 470's had ammeters in the dash,and HEAVY wire was needed for this.They would really smoke.Probably 10 gauge wire.<br /><br />Later service bulletins recommended volt meters.<br /><br />DHP

 

[THE BEEF]

Re: SMOKE FRON UNDER DASH WHILE CRANKING

Searay, That is not magic smoke! Everyone knows that <br />all electric motors and wire have factory smoke installed<br />in them when manufactured. When you loose the factory smoke it's done.<br />Beef

 

[jlinder]

Re: SMOKE FRON UNDER DASH WHILE CRANKING

Smoke is an indication that you are approaching the maximum operating parameters.<br /><br />What did the inspection show? You should be able to see evidence of overheating. Look at the insulation.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: SMOKE FRON UNDER DASH WHILE CRANKING

 

[Rod Holder]

Re: SMOKE FRON UNDER DASH WHILE CRANKING

Sorry for the minimal info, I was at work and yada yada.....<br /><br />The boat is a 1977 Glasply with all original electrical (voltmeter, not ammeter) (very well preserved) with the exception of a Pertronix Ignition conversion around 50 hours ago.<br /><br />The change I made this year (this was the second outing) was a different spark plug (from NGK UR5 to BR6FS)and a new battery (800cca Interstate)<br /><br />I ended up getting it started (12 miles from harbor)by pulling out the Pertronix and re-installing the points.<br /><br />I just pulled the spark plugs and #1,3,4 were slightly crusty with a heavy fuel odor. #2 looked OK.<br /><br />When it happened,the smoke appeared during cranking and continued for a minute or so after. I've smelled burnt fur before, but none here <br /><br />Too dark to look under the dash tonight but will tomorrow.<br /><br />RH

 

[SeaRay24Sorrento]

Re: SMOKE FRON UNDER DASH WHILE CRANKING

Best not to look at night because the mice will be busy at work... best to catch them by suprise during daylight hours The start wire shouldn't pull too much current to activate the starter solenoid under long crank periods, it's usually the starter you have to worry about. Sounds like a simple electrical system, bet a look under the dash will reveal the problem (bare wire, rodent w/ a belly full of wire insulation or possibly a beer cap wedged up into the ignition switch harness, or an old stereo install done by Sound Advice)