Unidentified part on my lower unit

[Milkman00]

Hi all. I am new to boating, and noticed a broken wire going to this unidentified piece of my lower unit. The wire is a unshielded wire (like a ground wire). Hoping you guys can help me.

Here are the links to the images of the same piece.

http://imageshack.us/a/img440/4114/yc93.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img200/5310/rnqp.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img585/8761/vdkq.jpg

My engine is a 90HP 1984 Mariner.

Thanks in advance!

 

[galamb]

There is no reason for that to be there and certainly was not that way from factory.

Looks like a previous owner may have been using it as a ground wire for who knows what? (cav plate mounted electric trolling motor?????? - some theory to prevent galvanic corrosion???????)

 

[faztbullet]

There is no reason for that to be there and certainly was not that way from factory.

Uhhh.... thats the factory installed ground straps part # 88238A2. It purpose is to ground swivel bracket to driveshaft housing. All inline and V-6 motors with 3 ram trim have them. The inlines have two straps and the V-6 have four...

 

[Milkman00]

What is the thing on the lower unit that has a cover that is right by that ground wire??? That seems to be there on all engines like mine

 

[faztbullet]

What is the thing on the lower unit that has a cover that is right by that ground wire??? That seems to be there on all engines like mine

Motor mount cover....

 

[papyson]

your engine probably only has one...replace it...without it you are relying on getting a good ground thru the swivel bearings or sleeves...thats no good...

 

[Docksidemarineservices]

Bonding wire and engine mount cover.

 

[Milkman00]

Thank you all. Makes sense. I will replace the ground wire.