Mysterious thing

[larsoslo]

After much problems getting the engine to start, and replacing the starter motor - I noticed there was no charge from the alternator and this item on the cable seemed to have burnt over. My question is - what purpose does it serve? I connected the two cables going to the alternator and the other going somewhere I don't know directly to the starter. Should this give me any problem? Where does the mysterious cable that is not connected to the alternator go?

Any advice is much appreciated!

Lars
Mercruiser 7.4 1999 model
SeaRay 270 Sundancer -99

 

[larsoslo]

 

[M99]

Looks to me like a Junction block that used to be attached to something solid. That Red piece on the back is an insulator.

 

[Steve Craig]

Possibly a fusible link. Raw + battery output to the starter. Everything else on the boat fed from here but fused down depending on the load.
Cars use the same set-up.

 

[larsoslo]

Does it connect a fuse panel to the batteries or is there some internal fuse in it? I guess I want to ask if I need it or if I can connect the cables directly to the starter.

Thanks for the replies!

 

[Time To Relax]

That is a fuse. Its not uncommon for it to look like that. The connection becomes compromised then it gets hot and burns up.

 

[Steve Craig]

One of the leads will power the fuse panel, not sure where the other one lands. Second could be a parallel run to the same fuse panel.
Vintage cars, not sure on modern vehicles, one fused link ran headlights only. Second link ran everything else on the car.

 

[larsoslo]

Thanks guys. Great help when you live in a place without a dealer to ask these things!