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seastream
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USA
242 Posts
Initially Posted - 09/11/2005 :  21:12:15  Show Profile  Visit seastream's Homepage
I recently noticed that I was getting 'zapped' whenever I touched an external metal part on my '87 Evinrude 9.9 hp 'Yachtwin' while it was running. I've had the boat three seasons, never noticed this before. I put voltmeter leads between an exposed metal part and ground and measured 125 volts AC!

I'm aware that my particular model came equipped with provisions (wires) for powering cabin lights with that sort of voltage, but the wire leading from the engine was taped over and I never used it, having 12 volt cabin lights anyway.

The 12 volt DC charging/starting system seems to be working fine. All I can think of is that the abovementioned 125 VAC wire may have worn bare and be touching the engine casing internally...haven't had time to check, yet. Anybody have some other considerations I've not thought of?

Bob
Seastream
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atgep
Master Marine Consultant

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1009 Posts
Response Posted - 09/11/2005 :  21:22:03  Show Profile
It sounds like an ignition lead arcing to a ground. I would suspect the lower lead as it is inside the lower cowl which if memory serves, is aluminum. If you cannot see anything with the cowl removed, try switching the lower and upper leads and see if it goes away. If that fixes it, get 2 new leads!


2 cents.

Tom.
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Oscar
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2030 Posts
Response Posted - 09/11/2005 :  21:37:37  Show Profile  Visit Oscar's Homepage
I'm with Tom....Open it up and see if the spark plug cables get anywhere near metal....use nylon ties to reroute them and see it it helps. If it does then get new wires and route them properly.
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Arlyn Stewart
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2984 Posts
Response Posted - 09/12/2005 :  17:49:54  Show Profile
I find the 125 volts AC too coincidental to be coming off the high voltage coil for a couple of reasons. 1. The high voltage for the plug is much higher than 125v and if it were leaking to ground, the motor would not fire on that cylinder.

I think your on the right track in thinking its from a 125 v generator circuit in the motor, though I'd never heard of these.

If not it, if an inverter lives on the boat, I'd disconnect it and see if errant voltage remains. If no inverter, a more remote possibility is a battery charger with a blown diode, which might allow the normal step down transformer to upstep the 12 volt secondary winding off the battery side to 125v on the primary winding side...though it wouldn't be AC as you indicate reading.
Edited by - Arlyn Stewart on 09/12/2005 17:54:59
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Oscar
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Response Posted - 09/12/2005 :  21:32:22  Show Profile  Visit Oscar's Homepage
Did al this happen in your slip? Is that a digital volt meter? How accurate is it? Could it be 115 V....and coming out of the water? Any neighbors with bigger boats, sloppy shorepower systems? Is there a shore power system on the dock? Does it look in good shape?
Edited by - Oscar on 09/12/2005 21:33:27
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seastream
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242 Posts
Response Posted - 09/12/2005 :  21:35:30  Show Profile  Visit seastream's Homepage
Arlyn: It was indeed AC voltage. I have no inverter, no charger. I'm on a mooring, so I use a solar panel along with the unregulated 12 VDC 4 amp alternator in the engine to charge my two new group 24 deep cycle batteries, 75 Ah each. The 125 VAC lighting system is unusual but is noted in the manual as existing on certain models, albeit with an additional note that the winding is "not furnished in US or Canadian Market Areas". Go figure how I wound up with one. I must have an engine intended for the middlanowaya market.
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Leon Sisson
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1893 Posts
Response Posted - 09/13/2005 :  00:12:15  Show Profile  Visit Leon Sisson's Homepage
On outboards with breakerless ignition (which is just about all of them these days), the power from the magneto to the black box ignition module is definitely AC. On my Yamaha it's around 100v depending somewhat on RPM. Yu might want to compare that voltage to the one you're detecting where it doesn't belong.

-- Leon Sisson
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.