'95 252 electrical issue

[Shovelstuff]

I've got an electrical issue on my '95 252. It's got the 7.4L Volvo Penta in it. On the engine are 3 breakers. A 12.5 amp, a 50 amp and a 60 amp breaker. I've not dug into the wiring yet but I have tried all different scenarios with things on/off. It does not seem to matter what is running or not. I can run the boat for about 10-20 minutes and the 60 amp breaker will throw. The boat will continue running but if I shut it off or it dies, I have to reset the breaker to start it again. I also loose trim and I believe dash lights. Guages still work. The stereo has it's own circuit that I wired into the battery selector.

When I reset the breaker with the key on, I hear a short whirring sound which I assume is a fuel pump? Also, if I run WOT or close to it after the breaker throws the engine starts to backfire and looses power so I'm assuming it's leaning out.

I'm trying to figure out where to start with this issue. It is annoying and I worry about potential engine damage.

[capn272]

My first thought is that since it allows you to run for a while, there isn't a short causing thing. These breakers, from my understanding, will blow if they get too hot in addition to overload. It may be that the 60 amp breaker is 26 years old and has gotten a bit weak in its thermal tolerances, and maybe the breaker itself is the problem?

[Daniel]

All of my electrical issues were solved by taking the cannon plug apart and giving the male and female pins and sockets a thorough cleaning. I also spread the pins apart a very small amount so that they would make better contact. Clean and protect all connections and grounds.

[xlint89]

I have found the factory plastic disconnects are not as reliable as they once were.

Was having engine stuttering when coming down off a decent wave. Found one of the main wiring harness connectors under the dash was not making good contact. The open to the environment plastic wiring connectors are 20+ yrs old now and should be closely looked at too.