Really dumb

bad_boy

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Dec 5, 2008
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Ok, I have done something incredibly dumb! I was moving and rewiring my batteries and battery switch and I connected one of the batteries backwards. Of course, I had the switch turned off so I got no indication of a problem when I was connecting the batteries until I turned that battery on. Not sure what I smoked, I am assuming the alternator, but the smoke looked like it was coming from the top of the engine and not from where the alternator is located. But, I could not really tell as I could not see the front side of the engine. Thoughts???
 

Rat Capri

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Mar 10, 2009
Messages
83
Re: Really dumb

ignition system components probably fried too, more so if they are electronic
 

JustJason

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Aug 27, 2007
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5,374
Re: Really dumb

What are you working on... Merc, VP, OMC... weedwhacker??? Post your engine make, size, approx year or serial number. Pictures say 1000 words to.
 

bad_boy

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Re: Really dumb

It is a merc 5.7 carbed, because my weekwacker is working fine...:rolleyes:
 

JustJason

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Re: Really dumb

Depending on the year of it, there may be a fuse on the main lug of the starter. That's the first thing that goes when you hook up a battery backwards.
 

bad_boy

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Dec 5, 2008
Messages
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Re: Really dumb

Depending on the year of it, there may be a fuse on the main lug of the starter. That's the first thing that goes when you hook up a battery backwards.

Ok, but the smoke I saw was cleary coming from the opposite side of the engine, front right as you face it. It is a 98
 

180shabah

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Mar 26, 2005
Messages
4,995
Re: Really dumb

Circuit breaker or alternator.....

With it hooked up properly, what doesn't work?
 

bad_boy

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Dec 5, 2008
Messages
39
Re: Really dumb

Finally got back to working on this today. Connected everything correctly and she fired right up. I am still worried about the alternator, is there an easy way to check?
 

rs2k

Chief Petty Officer
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Aug 2, 2008
Messages
486
Re: Really dumb

Check the voltage at the battery terminal when the engine is running. If it's showing at least 14 volts than the alternator is probably OK. If it shows anything less than 13 volts than its bad.

Check it when your at least at 1500 RPM.
 

bad_boy

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Dec 5, 2008
Messages
39
Re: Really dumb

Well, it seems that everything is working just fine. Somethings tells me that I am going to find out the hard way though...
 

rs2k

Chief Petty Officer
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Aug 2, 2008
Messages
486
Re: Really dumb

Oh well, live and learn. Good luck!
 
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