Motor runs poorly... wire not connected??

[papafrancisco]

Hello team, I've posted last week about my 1988 60hp Merc (sn OB308702) not idling any more. I was told to check plugs/wires etc (basic T/S approach) however I have not made it back to the lake yet to check. Any way I was thinking about something. The last time out when it did run good I removed the cowling to check for wasps nets. When I put the cowling back on my problems began. I checked all plug wires last week and found nothing except a pinkish colored wire was not connected. It has a rubber boot over it where it looks like it plugs into another wire (not a ring terminal). Just wondering if this may be my problem. The wire is located in tubing with some other wires that appear to be going to the starter. Concidence or not is the wire not used? Thanks for all that the team does...

 

[KIGuy52]

Re: Motor runs poorly... wire not connected??

Does it still run ok when the cover's off? Maybe the cover's shorting something out. Just a thought.

 

[papafrancisco]

Re: Motor runs poorly... wire not connected??

Thanks KIGuy52. The cowling however is not metallic. I wish it was that easy though. <br /><br />Any more thoughts out there? Does the stator provide the battery recharge voltage? My battery ran down prior to all of this occurring.

 

[cpr-ma]

Re: Motor runs poorly... wire not connected??

Hi,<br />I have seen this happen a couple of different ways. They are all frustating. Sometimes the bucket type cover, assuming this is the type you have, hits on the top plug when you are removing it, causing an arch, or worse a broken plug. Another way is that the metal latch, or hook, that secures the rear of the cover causes a chaffed plug wire, or can arch with no apparent reason. Hope it may be some help.

 

[cpr-ma]

Re: Motor runs poorly... wire not connected??

Another thought, the stator does infact charge the battery. A constantly dying battery could be a sign of trouble here. There are low and high speed circuts of the stator, justifying your idle problem. If you have a good mechanic, he will know what a DVA meter is. Ask him to check the specs for you, Ohms check sometimes misses problems. Good luck.