79 Evinrude 35HP - how bad is this?

[CatfishMN]

So I took the boat out of the garage today to fire it up in a barrel after sitting all winter. I went to hook up the battery and for some reason I reversed the connections. I know, I know, I feel like punching myself in the face.

I believe the key was in the on position. I saw a spark, and disconnected. I think the cables were backward for maybe 5 seconds. I looked back at the motor, and there was smoke coming out from under the cowl. I let that clear, and then tried it again. Sometimes the starter spins fine, others it seems sluggish and will 'chug' really slowly. I did notice that the starter gets uncomfortably hot if the ignition wires are hooked up to the battery, but then it cools down if they are removed from the battery.

My question is - what did I damage? I did find a small inline fuse toward the back of the motor, and it had not popped. I have not had the motor running since this happened.

Any help is appreciated. Oh yeah, I bet I NEVER do that again.

Thanks!

 

[bonz_d]

The fuse is to protect the ignition circuit from a short or over voltage should not have affected the starting circuit as there should only be power there when the key is in the start position not the run position. Though it certainly sounds as if you have a starter motor problem.

 

[F_R]

You absolutely blew the rectifier for sure. And possibly, but not likely, the stator as well. When you connect the cables backwards, the rectifier destruction is instant. You can't disconnect it fast enough to prevent it. The battery is not connected to the power pack,, so don't worry about that.

Disconnect all wires from the rectifier and see if everything else works.

 

[CatfishMN]

Thanks for the responses. I switched batteries and was able to start the motor and it appeared to run as normal, but with the amount of smoke that came out, I am sure something burned up, most likely the rectifier. Will everything run normally without the rectifier (until I replace it)? The battery won't charge, of course.

 

[boobie]

Depending on which way the rectifier shorted it may hurt the stator if you keep on running it. I'd replace it asap.

 

[CatfishMN]

Thanks Boobie. After closer inspection, the rectifier is definitely burnt. I ordered another on tonight and won't be running it until I replace it.

 

[jasper60103]

Yes, spring has finally arrived in Minnesota, I think. LOL.
I did my first startup this weekend as well. In a rush to hear the ole girl come to life,
I reversed the fuel hose. I did discover it before firing her up though.
Hope it all works out.

-jasper

 

[NicoPags]

Did something like that once myself too. I ended up destroying the brushes in the starter. Very simple repair which could have been avoided. Might make sence testing the starter since you have the time at the moment. Or let a sleeping dog lie. Not sure if yours was working 100% after the battary swap. You did mention it started though. Best of luck hope she works for ya