Battery Cable Falling Apart

[mlukich]

Just picked up my new-to-me J14 with a 01 Yamaha 25 hp 4-stroke motor... *yay*

Biggest issue is the positive cable from battery to motor is corroded/falling apart and needs replacing... (I'll replace both pos and neg)

Anyone know what gauge wire they are and do I have to use a "marine" rated wire or will a wire say for a automobile work?

If I have to use a "marine" rated wire, any suggestions for where to get/order one?

Thanks in advance...

Mark

[Shakespeare]

See if the better of the wires has a stamp on it to determine the wire gauge. Yes, you should use marine grade cable since it is subjected to a harsher environment than in an automotive application. Also marine grade wire meets certain approvals and standards which (god forbid) should you have any catastrophe then the insurance folks can't use that as a reason for denial of a claim.

If you cannot determine the gauge then the chart at this web page can help you determine it based on diameter.

http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product.do?pid=677&familyName=4+Gauge+Marine+Tinned+Battery+Cable+-+%28Red%2C+Black+and+Yellow%29

I'm guessing it's either a 4 or 6 gauge. Bobreeves has a 25hp and if he catches this thread maybe he can shed a little better light on it.

Mike C.

[Big Will]

mlukich, congratulations on the purchase, I guess the fuel problem got resolved?

On the electrical end of things, do you have any local outboard garages in your area? Sometimes you can go to a shop that works on outboards and get a used part that's like brand new for half price. It all depends on if they have any surplus junk laying arround...

I'm guessing in the mean time you'd better get a can of liquid electric tape and a roll of electric tape and take your time patching up the old cable. You'll not wait to get a new one before going to the water me thinks.

[mlukich]

Big Will -

Me thinks you're right... ;D Also, thanks for the suggestion about used parts from repair shops - there's a shop right down the road from me...

Shake - I kinda figured the automotive route wouldn't work too well... but I was hoping...

Have to go see what I can find at the repair shop this afternoon - right after I get back... *014*

Mark

[mlukich]

Interesting day... To begin with, I fixed the battery cable... The boat had been wired for a trolling motor by the previous owner so I ended up using one of the leads for it - looks like the same gauge and such - if nothing else, it'll last until I can find/get the right one...

Took boat out on water for first time... Idles fine but when I give it the gas, it bogs down bad and dies. Found I could get it to go (sometimes) by holding fingers over intake (like a choke). Figured the carb was all gummed up from sitting so I brought it home and tore the carb down. Hmm... pretty clean inside. Then I found it, the main jet was loose and had backed almost completely out of its seat. Tightened it up and put it back in the water. It now runs GREAT! *yay*

Figured I probably should still get a rebuild kit for the carb, new fuel filter, etc... Spent about 30 minutes calling dealers and parts houses. Seems like nobody in town (Savannah GA) carries the rebuild kit. Who would have thought? Oh well, online is good enough for me.

Going fishing in morning, now that I know boat is good to go...

Thanks again for the advice...

Mark

[Big Will]

Go get 'em Mark! Glad to hear you got the problems fixed.

Hey, while your thinking of it how about adding in your boat model year and length to your signature area. There's a post about that arround here somewhere.

It helps other members know more easily if your experience applies to their own boat.

Will

[Shakespeare]

Hey, while your thinking of it how about adding in your boat model year and length to your signature area. There's a post about that arround here somewhere.

It helps other members know more easily if your experience applies to their own boat.

Will


Thanks for the assist Will!! *thumbsup*

The Welcome New Member (http://www.carolinaskiffowner.com/showthread.php?t=2069) thread lays it all out for you.

Mike C.

[mlukich]

Will do... now that I'm back from first fishing trip... ;D

Skunked, but as they say - "A bad day fishing is better than your best day at work..."

Mark

[NOTHING ELSE MATTERS]

I have no take on this, but if you need or any body else parts for yamaha, this is the place to go to. Bought from them and i was very happy. They sit down and talk to you and make sure you know what you are looking for and if what you looking for is the correct item.

Yamaha Outboard Sales, Parts and Service
1-800-213-3323 parts@shipyardisland.com (parts@shipyardisland.com)

[mlukich]

NEM

Thanks for the info... I had been looking for just such a site that someone had had good dealings with.

Mark