HELP! On the water OOPS

[Carpfisher]

Went fishing yesterday. After the first stop, the keyswitch decided to Jam up. It had 1st position run and you could push down for choke, but try as I might, I could not get it to engage the last "start" part. Even tried the spare key I keep onboard. No luck. Then I get the bright idea to jump start it under the switch, pop the cover off and try. Not only did it not work, but I accidentally shorted/put twelve volts into the wrong terminal on the back of the ignition switch

When I pulled the cover off the motor and jumped it at the starter solenoid, it started right up. (with the key in the run position, still shuts off with the key). So I didn't have to come in on the kicker motor, and I actually still caught a bunch of fish. Yay.

Problem now, other than I need a new ignition switch and should have just jumped it at the motor in the first place, Duh.LOL., is that there is now 3 problems, 1-no tilt/trim control on either the control handle or back on the motor.
2- dash voltmeter no longer reads anything
3- the tach is inop. Probably tilt trim gauge also, but i think it wasn't working before. We manually released the TT to trailer it home.

I'm hoping it's a blown fuse somewhere I have yet to find, but thought someone might be able to recommend something to check right off the bat, given that TT doesn't work ? Hopefully the fact that it starts and runs means I didn't do major damage.

I have a Solas manual and am gonna dig into this today, access/trace more wiring and replace the key switch. Also, I'll try to check for charge output, which I could see if the dash voltmeter was working.

The motor is a 1992 Johnson 70hp, J70TLEND. I've done a lot of work to her. Lower unit, carbs, prop, timing, etc.
and she's been a good runner till this, thanks for any help.....

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: HELP! On the water OOPS

Silly question.... did you check the fuse on the engine? It should be in a red connector, approximately an inch and a half long and maybe 3/4 inch in diameter.

Oh, also, you're probably going to get a lot of people telling you to find an OEM repair manual instead of relying on that Solas. They're right.

 

[gm280]

Re: HELP! On the water OOPS

I praise you for posting the things you've done and your need for help. Not many folks would post their mistakes. I too think you should check the fuse at the engine. But my fuse holder is not red but black. Not sure if they changed the color of the fuse holder later on or not. But that could be your problem very easily. Secondly I too suggest you buy the original factory shop manual just for your OB engine. The info available in that manual is superior to anything you'll get from aftermarket versions...believe me. The fact that introduced positive voltage to places it simply was not supposed to go could be a serious problem OR maybe nothing at all. It depends on what you did and where you applied that positive voltage. But change the switch and check all fused first and then worry about everything else if there is any more problems after that. If you did manage to fry other things, you’ll have to replace those as you verify they are blown... Hopefully they made it through their torture test though... However, if you learn anything from your mistake then chalk it up to a very expensive lesson learned and move on...

 

[Carpfisher]

Re: HELP! On the water OOPS

I'm quite embarrassed to say what I do for a living.....don't know how I could have missed it.....right by the snake bite kit !!!
and yes it is blown !!

I just found a good wiring diagram via the Top Secret Files showing the TT circuit getting power from the starter solenoid with a, low and behold, fuse. Jumped back to the post to see your reply..and found the blown fuse.

Besides feeling like an idiot, I'm glad I didn't do major damage. I actually have a selection of fuses on board, but not that one. Will be better prepared next time.

And yes, my Solas manuals is not the greatest....

Thanks Metriccresentwrench !!

 

[71Windsor]

Re: HELP! On the water OOPS

Be careful changing your ign switch. The poles may not be in the same place as the one you have now. Look closely at each pole and make a diagram of which pole has which letter printed beside it and use that to wire your new one in or you'll blow that fuse again or end up like me with the engine starting in the run position lol.

 

[Carpfisher]

Re: HELP! On the water OOPS

Rodger that 71 ! Old OE switch is lettered, when looking at the back, read in a CW direction are- A, M, B, M, S, and C.
New one is, held in a similar position is I, M, S, C, B, M.
I see in the manual how to check proper connectivity and will be sure to do so before installing !!