There are two basic types of harnesses.
One is the Motor Harness and the other is the Instrument or Dash Harness.
The Motor Harness is the harness that is on the engine.
It typically connects the starter, alternator, senders and ignition components together.
Fuel injected engines will also have a Fuel Injection Harness.
The Instrument Harness connects the engine to the dash's keyswitch and gauges.
The Motor Harness and the Instrument Harness connect together through a large "cannon" plug.
This plug is a likely source of problems as it can work loose or the connector pins can corrode and
make for poor contact. The plug is designed to be held in place with a standard hose clamp. If the hose clamp is
overtightened it can ruin both harnesses.
Mercruiser Instrument Harnesses come in lengths of 3', 20' and 25' but Mercruiser also has Harness Extension Kits of
10', 15', 20', 30' and even 45' lengths. The factory also makes two-station "Y"-Harness for dual station applications.
The harnesses are all color coded for easy hook-up.
Almost every model of Mercruiser Engine uses a different Motor Harness.
The best way to order the correct Motor Harness is to EMAIL us your engine serial number.
If you are rewiring your boat and need help in selecting the harnesses, cables, remote control or gauges just let us know and
we will set you up with exactly what you need.