40 hp Evinrude keeps blowing fuse on start

[beemerson]

No idea what year the motor is -- can't find a sticker or plate (any suggestions?). Brand new battery -- tested fine and charged up. No response when turning ignition key and no trim and tilt. There's a tiny (less than 1/2 inch long) 20 amp fuse inside of a red rubber casing inside the motor housing. Changed that and it started and ran. Left it for a few days and when I came back it won't turn over. Changed fuse again. Today it turned over, but blew the fuse immediately. What's causing that fuse to blow? I inspected the cable from the ignition to the motor and there are a couple of "rough" spots where rubber casing is a bit worn, but definitely not worn through to the wiring. I'll clean that up and put on black tape just to be sure. Appreciate any help!!

 

[gm280]

:welcome: Aboard beemerson. Nice for you to join us...

There usually is a welch type disk/plug on the top of the engine. And it has numbers marker on it. Check and see what those numbers are and post them. That will help narrow down the year and model. Also post a few pictures and we can see what you're dealing with and tell about the engine as well. JMHO!

 

[F_R]

It would be virtually impossible for anybody to diagnose where the short is from a distance. And not much easier on-site. Fortunately it is not a complicated system. I'm going to make a wild guess and say associated with the tilt & trim wiring.