81 Evinrude 90 Starting problems

[scomosr]

I just bought a 81 Ranger in neglected condition. When I tried to turn the engine over, I hooked the battery up and something popped and a wisp of smoke came from beside a blue thing on the starboard side of the engine. Come to find out my battery has reversed polarity. I have to hook it up backwards. Never heard of that before but I tested it with several meters. Anyway, the starter will spin, the bendix engages the flywheel but I am not getting any spark. Any suggestions?<br /><br />Thanks. Sorry this is so long.

 

[Hooty]

Re: 81 Evinrude 90 Starting problems

Well, ya let all the smoke out of the rectifier so it's dead for sure but that shouldn't keep the engine from starting. Check the plugs and see if they're firing. An engine has to have four things to run. Fuel, air, spark and timing.<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty