Starter is reversing; No power in accessories

[knownothing]

The pinion starter is going in the reverse direction and not engaging the flywheel. None of the accessories (radio, depth finder, bilge pump, navigational lights, etc.) work, however the red lights turn (the rpm gauge moves also) on and beep when I start the engine. The power trim on the motor works and it goes up and down. The battery is fully charged and the cables are on the correct terminals. Any suggestions?<br /><br />I have a 1999 Johnson 90 HP engine

 

[knownothing]

Re: Starter is reversing; No power in accessories

Which direction is the starter supposed to go (clockwise or counterclockwise)?

 

[Walker]

Re: Starter is reversing; No power in accessories

Did you do any maintenance or battery change before this started.

 

[knownothing]

Re: Starter is reversing; No power in accessories

No...I just charged the battery.

 

[quilter]

Re: Starter is reversing; No power in accessories

are you sure you haven't reversed the charge on your battery? if it was completely discharged and you happened to reverse the terminals on your charger it is charged in reverse. if it is be careful with it since it can explode if you try to recharge it in the right direction. put a small light bulb 12 volt or a old bilge pump on it until it is discharged.

 

[knownothing]

Re: Starter is reversing; No power in accessories

Quilter,<br /><br />Would that make the accessories not work or are they two separate problems?

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Starter is reversing; No power in accessories

The first thing I'd check is the battery cables. Did you put them on the right terminals? Check again. Betcha you swapped terminals.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Starter is reversing; No power in accessories

The flywheel turns clockwise so the starter turns counter-clockwise.<br /><br />By any chance did you charge the battery backwards??

 

[buddyholly]

Re: Starter is reversing; No power in accessories

the only accessories that will work are most likely your lights. they are not polarized but your depth finder and radio are. the reason i know i reversed the cables on mine and burnt the radio up.

 

[farginicehole]

Re: Starter is reversing; No power in accessories

If the battery got charged backwards, or if the cables got connected backwards, wouldn't this have also instantly fried his rectifier?

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Starter is reversing; No power in accessories

Farginhole..... Yep.<br /><br />Knownothing.... Check the polarity with a voltmeter.

 

[knownothing]

Re: Starter is reversing; No power in accessories

Joe,<br /><br />Bought a new battery, engine works. But I still have no power to the accessories.

 

[quilter]

Re: Starter is reversing; No power in accessories

check the fuse from the battery to excessories. probably blowed when you reversed polarity.

 

[Blueclaw]

Re: Starter is reversing; No power in accessories

Was there a cable you forgot to re-connect(ground) when charged or changed the battery?

 

[farginicehole]

Re: Starter is reversing; No power in accessories

Is your tach working now? Might want to check your voltage when engine is running (not sure, but maybe 2000 rpm or so?) to make sure your charge system is working too.