Battery hook up backwards

[OPS389]

Hi all.

I have an 81 Evinrude 115. I just connected my battery cables in reverse. I pulled the cable as soon as I got the sparks, but I think I smoked my rectifier. Is there a way to check it?

Thanks from the dummy - guess there will be no fishing today...

 

[Will Bark]

Re: Battery hook up backwards

Sure, hook the battery up correctly and use a meter to read voltage then start the motor a read voltage again if no difference then you smoke the rectifier. You may have blown a fuse which is next to the starter before you can start the engine. You can fish today; you just can't charge the battery since the rectifier has nothing to do with the engine running. Good luck.

 

[wilde1j]

Re: Battery hook up backwards

Sure, connect battery correctly, start motor, and check across the battery terminals with motor running at fast idle (~1500RPM) ... you should get 13.5 to 14 vdc if charging. High probability you smoked at least the R/R. Be careful about running ... a failed R/R can catch on fire.

 

[OPS389]

Re: Battery hook up backwards

Thanks guys. I will check it out. The fuse is good...