wiring diagram

[crieders]

Given that the engine turns over very reluctantly and then suddenly pops to live after a few tried, I thought I would go around and check/tighten all the connections particularly the push on connector on top of the selenoid. Anyone have a diagram as to location of all the wiring to check. I have never been comfortable fooling with the electric system lest I make it worse, so any suggestions would be appreciated, as always.

[Ron Hill]

Cliff : I'm sure that your starting problem is a poor connection.  I'd check each and every #4 red and black battery wire connector.  I've re-crimped and soldered all of my connections and have never had a problem in the past 22 years. 

If you still have a problem then look at the fuse & holder in the starter solenoid circuit.  All of the wiring diagrams may not be in your owners manual.  The wiring diagrams are also in our web site and in the Mainsheet tech notes.  Hope this helps. 

[Fuzzy]

Cliff:  If the engine is turning over slow it's probably not in the solenoid circuit but most likely in the "heavy" wiring circuits.
As mentioned check all connections and maybe solder the connections as well.
Larry

[horsemel]

Cliff, Ron et al are right.  I had the problem last year and took Ron's advice.  Cleaned and tightened the engine ground and "Voila!" no more problem.  Do that first.
Mark Mueller

[jmnpe]

Yes, the engine grounding spot of the M-25 is in a terrible spot, and almost everyone I've looked at on the older boats looks like a bad dream if someone hasn't cleaned them up properly along the way. After you remove all the lugs and clean everything up, including the block, be sure to give everything a light coating of Boeshield T-9 after you put it all back together tightly.

Even better is to remote the engine ground point away from the block a respectable distance. Run a single 4 or 2 gauge AWG minimum cable from the engine block attachment point to a ground distribution buss bar or Power Post. Then seal everything with the same light coat of T-9 when you are finished.

John

[crieders]

Where exactly is that grounding location?

[Stu Jackson]

Cliff, you follow the ground wire from the battery box back to the engine.  It is usually behind the alternator and starter, aft port side of the engine.

[Ron Hill]

Cliff : As Stu mentioned that main ground is on the port side(behind and just under the starter) to a bolt that holds the bell housing to the engine.  There is also a secondary wire ground on that same bolt from the engine instrument panel.