1989 Javelin 356 Electrical Issue

[rbmcveigh]

Recently picked up a 89 Javelin 356 and it ran great, emphasis on did. Took it out a few days ago, cranked up and ran like a dream, but once I stopped at my favorite fishing hole, everything died. I found a 10 Amp fuse under the console blown, but it didn't restore any power. After sitting for about 2 hours, I got juice back, fired it off and high tailed it to the dock. Finally, got it out of the water after dumping the pressure on the tilt motor and got it home. Found some minor corrosion on the battery selector switch, but nothing too crazy. The inline 20 Amp fuse for all the auxiliaries wasn't blown, but was getting some weird resistance readings across, so replaced it and the terminals. I got the terminals cleaned and replaced all of the lugs on the batteries that were getting rough. I know the batteries are charged, put them on a separate charger in the interim. Now I intermittently have power through the power switch on the dash, so all the gauges will indicate. However, I still have no power to the trim motor or juice for cranking. What could I be missing. Does anyone have any diagrams that can give me better direction?

Not sure why I am getting intermittent power to the dash. When it does indicate, I still get no power to the motor!

Rookie needs some help!

[Bassnailer]

Sounds like a loose connection at the starter motor. What motor do you have? The way most of them are wired up, there is a power cable from the starter (solenoid) to the battery, and your power trim, motor electronics, and even all your gauge power comes off that connection. If it is loose or corroded, it could produce the intermittent power problems you are experiencing. Tighten and clean all your power connections on the motor (solenoids and power cables). Make sure all your other connections are sealed, use dielectric grease on all friction connections (like fuses, switches, light bulbs) and solder and heat shrink any other connections. Water causes corrosion, and corrosion causes resistance. Eliminate the possibility of moisture getting to your connections (dielectric grease) and your electrical system will be much more reliable. Good luck, electical problems can be frustrating, but usually easily fixed once you pin it down.