Ignition wiring question

Joined
Jun 14, 2022
Messages
22
Hi, I just motor swapped my boat but the wiring to the ignition is too short. I have the old wires from a 90 Hp force but the new motor is a 90 Hp tower of power so the wires are all different colors. My question is can I just splice the old wires from the force into the new ones from the tower of power by random color? Or do I have to figure out what each wire did and splice them as to what they’re for?
 

racerone

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 28, 2013
Messages
37,828
Well----You have to be careful with wires.-----Carelessness can result in a lot of expensive smoke.
 

roscoe

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 30, 2002
Messages
21,739
If you do it randomly, you will get random results.
But 2 results will be most common.
The 1st , nothing will happen.
The 2nd , expensive smoke as racerone stated.

Best to use large plastic bag over motor to capture the smoke, so you can put it back into the wires.
 
Last edited:

silverbul

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 19, 2023
Messages
304
just make the wires that are too short longer, splice and shrink tube, as long as you know the new harness will work.
 

roscoe

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 30, 2002
Messages
21,739
You need to find out what each color wire on the TOP harness connects to.
And the corresponding color wire from the Force motor. Then splice them together.

FYI: wire colors changed over the years for both Mercury and Force. So first identify the year of both motors. Then locate wiring diagrams for both, and compare.

Good chance you can use the same ignition switch.
 

dubs283

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jul 27, 2005
Messages
5,322
I think if you take all the wires, strip all the casing off and duct tape them all together it's a good start

After that proceed to your local gypsy (preferably on foot) and source a magic wand or potion.

With magic in hand head back to your boat and perform the ritual needed for success

This will not fail

Or it'll cause more problems, if so heed gypsy's advice for repair
 

silverbul

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 19, 2023
Messages
304
Didn't know we were here to make fun of other boaters who are having problems. i'l keep that in mind.
 

dubs283

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jul 27, 2005
Messages
5,322
Pretty sure the local clairvoyant is required over a competent mechanic here, ymmv
 
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