[mcousart1]

I just got a 1998 Yamaha 90hp outboard on a 1991 Bayliner 1802 and it usually starts and runs ok but sometimes it won't kick over and the real concern is that the + battery terminal gets extremely hot when i'm trying to get it started. I'm afraid the battery could explode. I expect that I must have something connected to the battery wrong? The previous owner did'nt have this problem but he couldn't remember to proper connections. Here are the connections to the battery right now:- terminal: big black wire, small brown wire, small black wire+ terminal: big red wire, small white wire spliced to red, small black wire spliced to red.All other systems work fine with these connections. I assume that any wire that is red at the connection should be + but maybe not? What else could be causing the battery to get so hot and motor not always starting? Thanks.

[rodbolt]

sounds like a bad cable connection someplace. loose or corroded. wire colors at the battery on most boats are crazy due to most people just add whatever wires are handy. you would not belive the amount of cut off household extension cords I see at the battery. but if the terminal is getting hot it indicates excessive resistance someplace or the starter is drawing to much current. I usually find a bad cable connection.

[31900]

If the battery terminal is getting hot, that is where the resistance is. Remove the clamps, clean the battery terminals and the clamps in a solution of bicarb soda. Reconnect and coat with vaseline.

[mcousart1]

Thanks rodbolt and Adam1.