Start switch tripped breaker

[Jeff6566]

1995 370 Sundancer -7.4 - Carbs.- Vdrive

So I was about to check the timing; had the base timing ground installed, had my remote rpm and timing light ready, engine just died.
Removed all timing /rpm/ base ground.
In cabin; Found breaker to port engine tripped-would re-set but would trip when start switch pushed to "on".
Found the problem Purple wire on back of switch- disconneced tach, same prob.
Left purple wire from switch disconnected and ran jumper from bat to distributor- heard an spark/arc somewhere from top of engine, but engine started fine.
reconnected everything back and works normal
What is going on??

 

[PlayDate]

Jeff,

I just commented in your other post regarding the alternator issues. What more can you share about the history of this boat? It just seems to have a lot of electrical problems it shouldn't be having.

 

[Jeff6566]

New boat to me, PO let things go

 

[PlayDate]

Ok. Let's go with a loose connection or frayed wire on top of the engine for this problem. Something is shorting when you move things around which would account for the problems you describe. I would start by looking at the connection to the distributor and follow that back as far as you can. I would look for a bad connection, broken wire or loose connector. The easy way to do this is start the engine and then tug on the wires....the engine should die/breaker trip if it is wiring related.