Hours Question

The tranny has a dirty neutral. I unhooked the linkage and there aren't any click positions. The transmission engages forward and reverse but starts to turn to the forward position when in between. Seems a little noisy too. Does the trans need to be reworked?

going with the same colors for the upholstery (red/white/black) thinking of charcoal for the carpet.

Vince, We need pics...

vbatla wrote: Is there a separate breaker / fuse for the ignition?

On mine there is... I think there is on an 89 as well. I'm not sure what year they changed over from fuses to push button breakers but I think before 89.

So, on mine:
-the dash hot feed comes from the engine breaker
-Goes to the input side of the dash ignition push button breaker
-The output side of the dash ignition push button breaker feeds:
*The input side of the key switch
*The input side of the horn switch
*The input side of the blower switch
*The input side of both bilge pump switches (auto and manual)
*Maybe the Nav slight switch?
*The input side of whatever accessory switches you have

The next would be to figure out which post on they key the wire is going to.

There is a B (battery but it usually comes from the engine not directly from the battery), I for ignition and S for start.

The wire should be going fro battery positive to the B on the key. If it's going to the I, that would explain why the coil is always live, but wouldn't necessarily explain why things are getting hot.

Wow. Thanks! This will help tremendously. Should the positive post be on the bow end? There were no markings on the cables.

That wire going directly from the key to the battery... which battery terminal is it going to?

Not to worry John, pics of both ;)

I put a fully charged battery in. With the switch off there were sparks when attaching the battery terminal. After being hooked up for a few minutes I noticed the coil was very hot. Is that normal? If you jump from positive to the switch, then turn the key to start, the wire becomes extremely hot. Also, the ignition light is on. If I push the button in the wire becomes extremely hot. Like a direct short.

Maybe it's just that the battery has a bad connection or dead.

New development...When turning the ignition key to the on position, nothing happens. When attempting to start the engine there appears to be a direct short. Is there a wiring diagram anywhere online?   Looks like the previous owner had a direct line from the battery to the ignition switch. Time to dive into the wiring. Does the 89 Ski Nautique have any fuses? thanks

I'd step up to at least 800. 500 takes a while to pump.

Thanks for the recommendations! I will definitely check out the drive shaft alignment. I will check out Mobil 1. Is there a particular bilge pump I need to use? I like the idea of an automatic pump.

pics coming soon!

Vince - Since it is new to you, I suggest taking the time to check alignment of the prop shaft.

Here is a how to: video

I bought an 89. :) Now the project begins...is there a section in the forum with a basic checklist for someone new to boats? Recommended maintenance? First thing I need to do is change the oil. Is there a particular brand that should be run?   I need to check the impeller along with installing a bilge pump.

I may have found a good deal on a 1984. I was wanting the 89 but I don't know if I can pass this one up. Is the hull the same?