crossed batt wires now problem with starter

[cliffg]

crossed neg & pos and installed them on batt starter turned over but the big gear didnt turn just the small .installed the right way now starter turn over real skow but wont crank. i jumped the starter still the same thing turns over slow but not enough to crank. please help i have a 1985 evinrude 185hp o/b

 

[reelfishin]

Re: crossed batt wires now problem with starter

You shouldn't have hurt the starter by reversing polarity, but you most likely killed the voltage regulator and rectifier.
The starter is just a DC motor it will run backwards. The only thing I can think of is that if it were already badly worn, the reversing of the motor caught the edge of a worn brush and broke it off.

Disconnect the starter and power it directly to a fully charged battery, then see if it spins and cranks the motor. If it does, you may have caused other more serious electrical problems.

 

[cliffg]

Re: crossed batt wires now problem with starter

the starter cranks but seems like it not turning a full speed

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: crossed batt wires now problem with starter

90% of starter problems are bad connections. remove and clean both ends of the battery cables, so that they are shiney, also the cable from the solenoid to starter. check for nicks in the cables. and make sure the connectors are on the wire good. the cable tend to corrode from the inside out, if nicked, corroded wires, and connections, heat up and cause resistance to the follow of electricity, thus the starter doesn't get enough. you can also take jumper cable pos battery post to large post on starter. with a good connection, the engine should spin. then if the starter is good clean everything and retest. then trouble shoot solenoid. starters can be rebuit at a starter/alternator shop, much cheaper than a new one.

also have the battery load tested at the auto parts store, free, i've had new batteries go bad

 

[cliffg]

Re: crossed batt wires now problem with starter

took wires off starter and jumped with fresh batt. starter still seem like it is draging. also the gear of the starter stay in the engaged position. removed starter and jump seems to turn fine. a spring on top of the start seemed wedged.inselled back on engine still dragging what do next.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: crossed batt wires now problem with starter

using jumper cable does not always give complete current. clean connections on starter, solenoid, and battery, connect fully charged battery, if still dragging, take starter to a alternator/starter shop and have it tested.

 

[reelfishin]

Re: crossed batt wires now problem with starter

TD is right about using jumper cables, if they are not of good quality or heavy enough gauge wire they won't deliver enough amperage to turn the starter correctly.
If the starter is indeed getting correct voltage and amperage, then it will need to be bench tested and possibly rebuilt.

 

[JT!]

Re: crossed batt wires now problem with starter

a wire wheel in a drill or dremel, will do the job for cleaning up all those connectors and posts