60HP Mercury - Sparking on battery terminals

[gqueen]

I recently bought a pontoon boat with a 60HP Mercury and hooked the battery up to it and got a big spark. Disconnected the starter from the powerpak and did not spark again. Had the starter checked out and it is good. <br /><br />What direction would I go now in troubleshooting the problem? Don't want to go out and buy a powerpak if not needed. By the way, how much are those???<br /><br />thanks<br />GQ

 

[12Footer]

Re: 60HP Mercury - Sparking on battery terminals

It could be the regulator. Or,the starter solenoid could have a carbon path in it,and need replacement.Disconnect the 2 yellow wires from the regulator, tape them off, and see if the short went away.. Better yet, get an auto amp gauge and a set a aligator clips to clip it inline. This way, you can leave the battery hooked-up for short peroids of time as you search for the short. <br />Sometimes these can be a bear to find, but anything (ignition switch to VHF radio to bow lights) with a positive lead on it is suspect.

 

[gqueen]

Re: 60HP Mercury - Sparking on battery terminals

Thanks, I'll try that.

 

[hondon]

Re: 60HP Mercury - Sparking on battery terminals

Lets remember how this ignition system works.When the key is off you are SHORTING the ignition to ground thusly an arc when you connect the battery cables is not uncommon ,especially with later model mercs.How is everything else working?

 

[12Footer]

Re: 60HP Mercury - Sparking on battery terminals

You are, of course correct, Hondon. But,not the battery circuit. It grounds the stator (orange wire)out, thus killing the ignition.<br /><br />A spark when hooking-up the battery means something is on ,or shorted to ground. It must be found and fixed, or it will drain the battery,and in short order, ruin the battery.