where does this wire go? 1977 85 hp

[wolfpak382usa]

i bought a 1977 kingfisher with a 85 hp evinrude and i found a wire in the battery compartment that isn't hooked up and was wondering if anybody knows where it goes. the wire is black and is about a 16 gauge wire that comes from behind the motor mounting plate on the motor and looks like it goes up towards the motor but can't really tell. i don't know if this is maybe a ground for the motor or what it is and if i even need it, the motor seems to run fine without it.

 

[joereeves]

Re: where does this wire go?

Normally a black wire in the battery compartment would attach to the negative of the battery BUT I'd strongly suggest that you trace it to its end within the engine before doing anything with it.