Here are the
standard wire colors used in the boating industry since the late 70s. When
re-powering a boat with a newer motor this is a handy reference. Most boats use
these standards but always double check in case changes have been made!
BIA Wire Color--------------------Where it is used
Black---------------------------------All Grounds
Black with Yellow stripe---------Magneto/short to Kill
Gray----------------------------------Tachometer signal
Yellow with Black stripe---------Choke
Red----------------------------------Unprotected(12V+)from battery
Red with Purple stripe-----------Protected(+12V)from battery
Purple-----------------------------(+12V)from ignition switch
Tan------------------------------Overheat sensor to warning horn
Pink-------------------------------Sending unit to fuel guage
Yellow with Red stripe----Ignition switch to starter solenoid
Yellow-----------------------------charging stator to rectifier
Lt.Blue with White stripe--------Trim up
Green with White stripe-----------Trim down
Some more standard wire colors used on many inboard boats, always double check
though, as some vary or may have been changed along the way!
Some standard colors for boats since 1980 are as follows:
· heavy red 10
guage (main battery)
· heavy black (main ground)
· purple (ignition)
· yellow (starter solonoid)
· grey (tachometer)
· brown
(temperature)
· blue (oil pressure)
· brown with stripe (alarm)
Accesories
· pink (fuel sending unit)
· yellow (blower)
· brown
(bilge pump)
· grey (navigation lights)
· heavy green (bonding wire)
· red (misc electrical add-ons , vhf , depth finder, stereo, radar, power
supplies)
Another question I receive often:
Is it possible to hook up a remote starter button onto the solenoid while I
am working on the motor? (my arms won't reach to the key switch!).
Most outboards have an in-line fuse on motor
usually inside a small rubber or plastic fuse holder.
It is generally an extremely short fuse
holder with a short 20 amp fuse in it.
It's often located near the start solenoid on
one of the red wires.
If that fuse is blown you will get nothing at
the switch!
Can't find it... you might check your owner's
manual for the location.
If the starter drive does not engage the flywheel about half the time when the ignition is turned or the drive stops short of the flywheel and just spins, Is the drive the problem?
Starter drive is the little gear on top of starter..
When your drive doesn't engage is the starter still turning?
Clean shaft with a wire brush and add a drop of oil or two.
If the shaft is clean and not rusted apply a drop or two of light oil to prevent sticking.
Trailer Light Wire
colors
Yellow- left turn signal
Green- right turn
signal
Brown - Tail lights
White- Ground
When brakes are applied power is sent to yellow
and green.
You may need a taillight converter if you have a non US
made truck or car.
