1988 sea ray with 100 hp Mercury won’t crank

[Jerry Lin]

Howdy, new here. Got a savaged 1988 sea ray 16 bow rider, with a 100hp Mercury outboard( sn: B333705). I am trying to save it (start it) but have no luck so far. There is no ignition switch or dash. Here is what I am working with:

From my understanding of the service Manual is that if I connect the red wire to the red/yellow it should complected the loop and crank? At least do something?( I dont even get a click) There is power to the red wire( fuse fine), motor is in neutral( neutral switch is bypassed). Am I doing anything wrong? Thanks In advance

 

[jitts3]

Putting the Red and Red/Yellow together should compete the solenoid's circuit and energize the starter by looking at your diagram.
Don't forget to check the grounds as if any are bad, none of it will work. The solenoid has its own ground

 

[CNYBoater]

Ignition switches are pretty cheap for that, I would just buy one (you’ll need it anyways) to replicate the full ignition sequence. You’ll insure the switch ground is completed and have the ability to Push to Choke that crossing wires doesn’t allow.

My outboard boat had sat unused for some time when I bought it. I had to cut out about six inches of corroded ground wires to get clean copper. Primary ground I had to replace completely. Would definitely check all your grounds.