Loose wire in the EC 21 engine compartment- Help

dmcinfo

In checking out the engine compartment and making sure everything was ready to go for my first outing I noticed a loose wire. Its black with a ring terminal and a black rubber hood. It was simply leaning against the back of the alternator and appeared connected until I touched it and realized it wasn't connected to anything.

Could someone with an EC look at the back of their alternator and let me know how many red and black wires are connected to it and where the black wires are connected. Is it possible that the wire doesn't belong on the alternator but should be hooked up somewhere else. Should you be able to take any pictures that would be even better. You can email any pictures to dmcinfo@yahoo.com.

I was hoping to take the boat out tomorrow but may not until Im reasonaby certain that I wont get stuck somewhere.

thataway · Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2008 9:37 pm Post subject:

The usual "code" for black wires in boats is negative or ground. Measure voltage between this terminal/wire and ground to be sure that it is not hot. Also trace where it goes, if you can. Look to see if there is a terminal, missing a screw or nut which will fit that ring--and double check to see if it is a negative terminal.

Tugly · Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2008 12:44 pm Post subject: Black wiire

Checked Tugly's 80 Amp Alternator. Red hooded wire connected to "BAT" terminal with lock washer and nut on top left of alternator back when looking forward. There are two other terminals to the right of the "BAT" terminal. The black hooded wire is connected to the one furthest to the right, it is about at 2 O'Clock. If you want a picture, e-mail me and I will go out and take one. Hope this helps.

Bill

dmcinfo

I had someone check out the loose wire. I thought it was a ground wire as it looked black at first. It turned out it was a positive wire (red) that had been painted the same color as the block, probably sprayed that color at the factory. The wire was live but not connected to anything. The wire looked like it would go to the positive terminal on the rear of the alternator as it was just the right length to do so and it didn't look like there was any other terminals where it could go. I am speculating that the Yanmar factory wired up the engine but the Ranger factory used there own wiring harness and may have disconnected the factory positive terminal and then connected there own without disconnecting the factory wire. I would up taping up the end of the wire. Had the boat on the lake this weekend with no problems.

Will speak to the factory this week to check on this possibility. Any else check their 21 to see if they have an extra positive wire?