1991 185 Bow Rider no power to instrument panel

Brian Morgan

New Member
Jul 13, 2018
5
Howell, MI
Boat Info
1991 185 Bow Rider
Engines
4.3LX MerCruiser
I just bought this boat (very good condition, price). I put it in the water, it fired up fine. Drove it around the lake once, and parked it. Two days later, I have no power to the instruments, radio, ignition, lights. The only power I have is the trim works (not the gauge). I checked the battery (which is new), and fuses - couldn't find a problem. Any suggestions? The sooner the better - only ridden in this new (to us) boat once!
Thanks -
Prian
 
Do you have a battery switch that you forgot about?

In '91, there won't be one of those "flag" breakers, but the idea is the same. In this case, it would (unless someone has changed something over the years, of course) just be the red, 50amp push button on the top of the engine.
 
Thanks, JimG and Lazy Daze - I'll take a look when I get home. I don't remember seeing a red 50 amp push button.
 
Well, depending on how dirty the engine is, the button could be black! :)

You'll find it, now that you know to look for it.

If that checks out, other things to look at are:
-- 12V+ at fuse block
-- Good ground at fuse block
-- Tight and clean battery cable connectors
 
Also, check connections at back of ignition switch. There is a Battery, Accessory, Start and Run wire. If the Battery or Accessory are loose or not making a good connection that would cause this. Trim works because it is not wired through the switch.
 
Found the breaker on the engine, doesn't appear to be tripped. Reset it anyway.
Couldn't find any loose connections, still looking . Any other suggestions? I'm about out of swear words...
 
Did you check the emergency kill switch?
 
My boat doesn't have one (really should install one) but its the one with the lanyard that you attach to yourself of your PFD so if driver goes overboard it kills the engine.
 
On my 2009 175 Sport there was a separate breaker for the helm power. It was on the helm wiring just after the battery. I know that's 18 years newer of a boat, but maybe that design concept is old.
 
Any other suggestions?

See my post above. Start with that to help narrow down the variables. FYI, the kill switch will only prevent the engine from starting - it won't affect other powered items.

When you checked for loose connections, it has to more than a cursory glance type of thing. Did you check at the battery, fuse block and key switch (as Bill mentioned)? Ideally... remove, clean, inspect and reinstall.
 
Get a cheap multimeter and attach a long wire on the black lead and connect it to the battery ground. Then start at the positive terminal of the battery and work your way along with the red lead starting from the positive terminal of the battery towards the fuse block that is under the helm behind the steering wheel. You want to see how far along you can read 12V. Specifically check for 12V on both sides of the circuit breaker. If you see it on one side but not the other, there is a problem with the breaker.
 
Well, after much pulling on contacts, etc, found the problem (at least at first). The bundle of wires leading to the breaker on the top-front of the engine had worn through the insulation, and was shorting on the valve cover. So after rewrapping the bundle it started! In the process of untying the boat, while it was running, it stalled. Tried a restart - no ignition. It didn't turn the engine over. The previous owner had told me of an intermittent problem with the neutral lockout switch in the shift mechanism. That's how it's acting now. I still have power to the console, but no ignition. How do I get into the shifter to check that switch?
I really appreciate all the help, advice, and expertise on this site - Thanks!
 
The shift interrupt switch is on the shift mechanism on the engine, it is controlled by the lower shift cable, basically it interrupts the ignition momentarily when shifting from F or R to N. When it starts having problems, the engine will stall when shifting, it rarely needs replacing, usually adjustment or replacement of the lower shift cable. Also, the shift interrupt would not prevent the engine from turning over, it just won't start. There is nothing about the neutral switch or the shift interrupt switch that would prevent the engine from turning over.
 

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