www.iFourWinns.com

I've got twin '08 Mercruiser 5.0 V8's with DTS. There is a red wire running between the two engines, circled in this picture (its covered in wire loom).



My question is this. Can I cut this wire, and reconnect it with a quick connect type connector? Its right in the way of the step I have in the engine room, and I fear one day myself or a service tech may slip and/or wind up pushing on it and pulling it out.

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2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

I looked at the wiring diagrams and could not find that wire listed. I cannot see any reason why you could not add a connector as long as its a good waterproof & locking type. I would ensure all systems are turned off before cutting anything. I will try to track this wire down the next time I'm out on the boat.

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Jnizi

2007 Vista 338 "Better Yet"
Previously:
2007 Vista 258 " Just Right"
2005 Horizon 230

Is that the hot wire for the alternator? I don't understand what your intention is in cutting the wire or do you mean the harness?( like in half). If your talking about a single wire just add on to the end.Or maybe easier yet, build the step up a little higher with some Starboard.

You can see the stainless steel support piece in between both engines a bit behind where I drew that yellow circle. it's the perfect place to rest/place one foot. Only issue is that red wire that goes between both engines and I'd rather be proactive instead of reactive in regards to someone or myself inadvertently hitting the wire.

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2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

Is that the only thing inside the loom? I see no reason why you couldn't splice in an extension as long as you use good quality tinned marine wire of the same gauge and heat shrink it very thoroughly. That assumes you're only talking about adding a couple of feet to it. Any more than that, and I'd recommend replacing the whole wire with a heavier gauge.

Actually, depending on how hard it is to get to the ends of the existing wire, replacing the whole thing might be the best long-term solution. I don't like having any more connections than are necessary; each one, in theory, is a potential point of failure -> corrosion -> high resistance -> fire. But it could be spliced, carefully.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

Yes, as to my thoughts as to just cutting it and adding a quality marine grade connector. That way when I'm in the engine room for extended periods I can just disconnect it.

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2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

This would be my solution, but I tend to over-engineer projects. That piece of stainless steel would be ideal to mount a section of rigid pvc conduit. I would install a longer piece of red wire, or splice a piece in with permanent connections, I would avoid undoing and remaking a connection on a regular basis unless you find a really robust plug/socket arrangement.

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John
2006 Four Winns Vista 278 (sold)