Mystery wires

[Sbcwrangler]

Can anyone identify these wires for me? All my research has turned up is that they are labelled as ignition wires. Seeing as my ignition is hooked up and working I am skeptical of that description. 1976 55hp and the wires are purple and purple/yellow. PO had them cut and stowed in the harness

 

[racerone]

As noted elsewhere I do not believe your powerhead is a 76 model.----Those wires have to do with the thermo-electric choke used on earlier models !!!

 

[Sbcwrangler]

Thanks racerone. Yes I firmly beleive that the power head is not a 76 as well. Is there a stamp/tag on the engine where I could verify. So I'm obviously fine to run with them disconnected right? I'm fitted with an electric choke off the ignition

 

[racerone]

The thermo-electric choke was an early attempt to make motors start and warm-up. The general public in many cases simply does not know how to start a motor !----That is all done by computer now and all you have to do is " turn the key " and away you go.---Just leave those wires hanging there.

 

[F_R]

Anyhoo, there was a factory service bulletin telling dealers to disable that thermal choke, and re-wire it for strictly electric choke that only operates when the driver tells it to.

 

[Sbcwrangler]

Thanks guys. Much appreciated. Is there a stamp somewhere orher than the transom miunt that would help me decipher what year and model I'm actually dealing with here?

 

[hardwater fisherman]

There should be a quarter sized silver disc on the block, sometimes you will have some information there. Maybe a model number or serial number.

 

[Sbcwrangler]

I believe I found what you are referring to but I'm having difficulty deciphering it. I found the number C0014382 on a round stamp on the block. I've cross referenced it to both Evinrude and Johnson but not having much luck. This would be a serial number right?

 

[F_R]

That is a serial number. A Canadian one. They come up with some funky numbers.

 

[F_R]

I believe 1975 was the last year they had the thermal switch for the choke. So it is 1975 or older.