Electric shock issue.

[Kaug23]

Originally Posted by mauryc

Gentlemen,

My 87' 175 Johnson is providing a nice shock when my hands are damp on my stainless steering wheel. Obviously a short somewhere. Any feedback on what may be causing the problem? She was cutting out a little last time out and the carbs have recently been redone so I'm leaning toward electrical. I haven't run her at night yet to check fo a arc. The neighbors will love that :)

TIA,

Maury

I was having odd readings on my gauges and a little zap when the floor was wet, it turned out to be the end of the steering cable where it exited the column was rubbing the hot wire on the back of the ignition.

Kurt

[bsteckel]

also had a friend this happened to ... was the ignition switch shorting out.

[reelapeelin]

Originally Posted by bsteckel

also had a friend this happened to ... was the ignition switch shorting out.

Damn...now that makes sense...

[UBHSTRY]

I have had that happen with cars, with a wire arcing onto the engine, and nailing me thru the damn break pedal...lol

[smkinnan]

make sure to let me know what this is when you find out....if I can control it, it might make a pretty good theft deterent system

[SkunkBoat]

If its at the steering wheel, is it shocky at the motor end of the steering cable? Unpainted parts of motor?
I got shocked on the cowling latches of my old Merc 150. Plug wires arcing to the metal latch.

Check for corroded/loose ground (neg) connections on the motor and the battery. If there is a "high resistance" poor connection, the juice my be trying to find a return wherever it can.