45 hp wiring problem

Question
I have a 74 45hp Chrysler outboard. An inheritance that has not run for at least 12 yrs. The wires that run from the terminal strip to the points, coil and condenser get very hot when the key is turned on. I bought a manual and did the test's it recommended and all seems to check out fine. Before I go and start buying coils ect where else should I be looking for? Thanks

Answer
Hi Fern...Thank you for selecting the undersigned to reply to your question. By the way, I'm not a mechanic.

The power head and lower unit should also be checked to ensure functional operation.

First of all, make sure the engine can turn over and that the pistons haven't seized within the cylinder walls or the wrist pins haven't rusted onto the crankshaft. So, hand-crank the engine to avoid causing serious damage.

Secondly, a compression test will determine whether the rings need replacement because they've lost their spring or tension against the cylinder wall. In the event a lot of smoke is discharged when the engine is initially started, in all likelihood, oil was introduced into the cylinder to prevent the formulation of rust, and/or there could be a strong mixture of oil in the fuel tank. In the final analysis, the rings are allowing oil to bypass upward and into the combustion chamber.

Hopefully, the fuel tank was kept full to prevent condensation from building up, which contaminates the fuel and can cause the interior of the tank to rust. If the gas is really old, dump it, because introducing a stabilizer won't work.

Next, slowly and partially remove the lower screw on the side of the lower unit, which is usually located on or near the bullet-shaped gear housing that contains the prop and prop shaft, and make sure it contains gear oil. At the upper end of the lower unit, there might be a second screw, which you remove to introduce the gear oil into the lower unit. Do make sure the lower screw is properly secured to prevent oil from leaking out while refilling.

If you escape any serious problems, the next thing to consider is when a failure does occur, would it be economical to repair, should parts be readily available. Sure hope all goes well.

Safe Boating
Ron

Also ensure the prop shaft turns while in neutral gear, becuase if it doesn't, either the gear selector is engaged in forward or reverse, or the prop shaft is seized.

Place the engine in a test tank of water and start it up. There should be a steady stream of water emanating from underside of the power head, which indicates the impeller (water pump) is drawing water, and water is circulating through the journals to cool the engine. Failure of the water stream indicates there's a blockage or obstruction within the fresh water intake or impeller, or possibly the water journals have fractured and the cylinders could be filling up with water.