Fuse

homerjack · Posted: Sun May 29, 2011 11:53 pm Post subject: Fuse

Took out my ignition lock and put it back and now no juice. Is there a fuse or circuit breaker on these older (1988) 22 cruisers? Where might I find it? I did short it briefly taking the lock off so if there is a load protector I'm sure it tripped or blew.

Jeff & Mimi · Posted: Mon May 30, 2011 12:20 am Post subject: Re: Fuse

Captains Cat · Posted: Mon May 30, 2011 7:21 am Post subject:

On my '94 22, there was a breaker back by the battery in the positive lead heading forward.

Charlie

Larry H · Posted: Mon May 30, 2011 12:54 pm Post subject:

Jack,

To help we need to know what make, model, and year your engine is.

If it is a 2-stroke Evinrude or Johnson, there is a 20 amp fuse in the wiring harness under the motor cover.

journey on · Posted: Mon May 30, 2011 3:33 pm Post subject:

OK, this is the classic case of what went wrong where? All of us are guessing until someone traces the circuit with a voltmeter.

If you blew the power before/at the ignition switch, that's in the boat circuit, and you'll have to find the power line to the switch and trace it back. If you blew the power after the ignition switch, then you can worry what blew to/in the motor.

The best/only way is to get a voltmeter, start measuring the voltages at various points along the way and find the point where you get/lose power, depending which way you're going. Then you've found the failed wire and you can see if it's a blown fuse, fried connection or what.

Voltmeters are $2 at Harbour Freight, and a voltmeter is the only way to troubleshoot electric circuits. Any voltmeter will do, just learn how to use it.

Boris

Larry H · Posted: Mon May 30, 2011 6:11 pm Post subject:

homerjack,

I see you have a 1988 Johnson 70 hp according to your profile.

In that case, you should check the fuse located in the wiring harness under the motor cover. It should be in a rubber pull apart cover at the top of the powerhead near the starter motor.

Your 'ignition' switch is not like a car or 4-stroke and does not supply power to the coil. The switch actually shorts out the power pack when in the 'off' position to prevent the engine from running.

When 'on' the switch supplies voltage to accessories, instruments, and the start circuit. If you have no instruments, and no starter, the above mentioned fuse is most likely the culprit.

It will not matter if the 'house' circuit is operational or not, as the voltage to the switch is supplied from the powerhead thru the cable which goes to the control box.

Retired Johnson/Evinrude mechanic.

Larry H · Posted: Mon May 30, 2011 6:14 pm Post subject:

I forgot to say that the 'ignition' switch for a 1988 Johnson 70 hp motor is not at all the same as for an inboard/sterndrive motor. You must get the proper switch for your motor.

Here is wiring diagram which is typical of the J/E 2-strokes. The fuse in question is at the lower center of the diagram and is attached to the starter solenoid.

homerjack · Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2011 5:55 pm Post subject:

Thank you all for the great info. It is the original 70hp Johnson. I will look under the motor cover for the fuse. Very likely culprit though the instrument panel still gets power. I do have a very good voltmeter that I was planning to use to troubleshoot. Just needed fuse info to make life a little simpler hopefully. The wiring diag is very appreciated. Thanks again. Will be at boat today or tomorrow and will report back.

homerjack · Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2011 9:34 pm Post subject:

Blown 20A fuse on motor. Started right up. You guys are priceless.