Neg Cables getting Hot

[ppaulg]

I changed out my batteries last week and everything looks wired right, but the negative cable(s) are getting very hot and the starter is not wanting to engage, but just spins. Tried jumping direct to starter and engine block with portable booster/jumper and there is no difference. Did replace the starter a few weeks ago with a used one.
Any ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks, Paul G

[231CALIFORNIA]

If the starter Spins you are likely "clear" up to the point of the starter drive/bendix/flywheel engagement system/overrun system etc.

all this is normally on head or side of starter motor. Could be a rusty mechanism or a bad circuit section . the starters pinion needs to be pushed or pulled into engagement with flywheels ring gear in most systems.

what engine do you have?
this type of problem is seldom rocker science.

[ppaulg]

Hi Cali, Thanks. Its a 1989 Yamaha 115.
Neg cables are now in rough shape from the over heating, so planning to change them out this week.
And I am going to drop off my old stater to have it rebuilt.
Would a bad starter cause the neg cables to heat up? or should I be looking for a short some where else?

[231CALIFORNIA]

Could cause BOTH  cables to heat up if they are same diameter conductor and same condition I would expect? but often they would not be any hotter than if everything is ok.
Consider most circuits as Circles hence the word.
Current flows from pos to neg or not at all.(BTW Actual electrons supposedly go the other way) If there heat or work a circuit is complete, Even if it is Shorted somewhere along the way.

But your description sounded like starter gear  was not engaging flywheel even though starter was turning.
 pinion isnt moving into flywheel. If cables are clean and tight
most common cause is Corosion/lack of lube right close in there.

does your starter motor look like this  ?

http://www.marinepartsplus.com/catalog/category/yamaha/Outboard/1989/115ETLF/620304280017/

[ppaulg]

Hi guys, Thanks for the advice. I ended up pulling out all the battery cables and the switch. The harness from the battery to the engine was not available, so I made a new one up. Replaced everything and the engine now turns over and starts beautifully.
Turned out to be a bad ground.

[seabob4]

If a ground, or hot for that matter, is not secured tightly enough, or is corroded, the resistance will cause the heat...

Tighten all your shit, every chance you get!!!

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