91 Cuddy electrical problems

[nipper]

well, I am still fighting my lack of power. The 90 Amp fuse is good, as is the 50 Amp circuit breaker. I believe I have power going to the ignition switch, but not beyond. I have power going from the stern to the front on a large red wire, but not on a large red/purple striped wire. How does the ignition switch figure into the scheme of things. It appears it only provides power back to the starter and to the instruments. All other accessories (e.g. bilge pump, blower, lights should work independently of the ignition switch, correct?

[spareparts]

check the grounds


btw, Skools posted this link a while back, it has all the wiring color codes
http://www.ftkltd.com/Boat%20Wiring%20and%20Color%20Codes.htm

[nipper]

Thanks, I did check all the grounds (or at least I think I did). I pulled the main ground off the engine and it was clean as a whistle, as was the ground connection on the fuse panel. Are there other grounds I should be checking? Also, I do not have the type of tester which will check continuity in the ground wires. Is there a way I can use my test light to test the ground wires?

[Destroyer]

Thanks, I did check all the grounds (or at least I think I did). I pulled the main ground off the engine and it was clean as a whistle, as was the ground connection on the fuse panel. Are there other grounds I should be checking? Also, I do not have the type of tester which will check continuity in the ground wires. Is there a way I can use my test light to test the ground wires?

Unless you're using a non self powered test light that relies on voltage in the circuit to energise the light, continuity is continuity... be it in the positive or negative wires. You check the grounds just the same as you check the positives with a test light or meter. Just remember to make sure you do not have a live circuit when testing continuity with a meter.. that's the easiest way to be running to the store for a new meter. And speaking of a meter, Harbor Freight has a great digital meter for sale for around 9 bucks, and about 4 bucks when on sale. You should get one.. they are invaluable tools.:head:

http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=multimeter

[nipper]

Thanks, Destroyer. I am not good at all with electrical issues. So, I have been testing the positive wires by attaching the clip to ground and then probing the positive wire. The test light is self-powered (I think--it has 2 AAA batteries in it). Do I do the same thing for testing the ground wires--i.e. clip to ground and probe the ground wire. Or, do I clip to positive terminal of battery and probe the ground. The second just does not sound right and kind of dangerous, but what do I know!