Ignition Fuse on 1996 175 Blows after 5 minutes of cruising!

[Todd Petkau]

Does someone have a little help for a novice?

I'm new to boats and this 1996 175 Sea Ray! Took it out twice in last two days and both times I would cruise for 5-7 minutes and the engine would just die (at speed) as the result of the 20A ignition fuse on the dash (above the key) blowing!

Q: Is 20A the right size fuse?

Q: Are there any components that would trigger a shut down / blown fuse once they heat up?

Q: Has anyone heard of an issue like this?

The first time I got towed back to dock. The second time I had extra fuses, let it cool down for a few minutes, put a new fuse in and it started and ran fine!

 

[Stee6043]

Hmmm...20A seems plenty big for the ignition circuit. Usually you would have a "breaker" on the engine itself that might be 30A? But I'd be surprised if you should have anything bigger than 20A up front.

I'm imagining you have something shorting when the engine is running and/or ignition is on. I'd start by looking closely at your fuse block/panel behind the helm and see if you have any loose connections. Check your switches too. Another interesting test would be to see if you can blow the fuse by simply having the ignition on, but engine not running.

Good luck! Electrical issues can be so frustrating...

 

[scoflaw]

Last ditch effort would be to wrap the fuse with tin foil and see which wire is getting hot. Probably will get flamed for that suggestion.

 

[ClarkGriswold]

I had a very similar condition last week and could not sort it on my own...mechanic found that the purple wire on the coil was not making a solid connection thus shorting the circuit and popping that 15a fuse in the EIM. $100 lesson to keep looking and the problem will be evident.

 

[Todd Petkau]

Thanks for the help and suggestions everyone! I think I found the issue...although, to me it doesn't make a lot of sense! I had hooked up a little Garmin fish finder...using the 'hot' on the key/ignition and the ground on a gauge. When I removed those wires...I had no issues and the fuse held! Back on the water working awesome!