Bonehead reversed battery cables

#1 (**permalink**) 06-29-2010, 02:09 PM

Yes I,m a bonehead. I reversed the battery cables on a BF40A LRTA but I noticed the problem BEFORE the key was ever used. Now when I try to start the motor the starter starts to spin but doesn't go fast enough to engage the flywheel. The main fuse ****s so the starter shuts off. I have bench checked both the starter and the starter switch and they are O.K I have looked at the electrical drawings and only conclude the Rectifier/Regulator must be bad. Do you think this might be it and is there a way to check it? Could there be any other parts causing the fuse to ****.

boats.net · #2 (**permalink**) 06-29-2010, 06:44 PM

Disconnect wiring from regulator to see if still ****s fuse.

#3 (**permalink**) 07-02-2010, 12:24 PM

Disconnecting the wires to the regulator will separate the all the electrical from the battery so no it didn't **** the fuse, but neither did any thing else happen when the key is turned. Any other suggestions?

boats.net · #4 (**permalink**) 07-02-2010, 01:08 PM

Should be able to disconnect regulator wires without disconnecting battery cables to isolate regulator to see if it is shorted out.

#5 (**permalink**) 07-06-2010, 03:51 PM

Yes, you can disconnect the regulator without disconnecting the battery cables but all you have left is the actual battery cables hooked up, (negative to the starter housing, positive to the starter switch). The 15 amp main fuse receives 12VDC from the positive battery cable at the magnetic starter then on to the regulator where the regulated 12VDC is then sent to the entire motor control circuit, the ignition switch, sensors, and such. By disconnecting the regulator it appears to me you have eliminated 12VDC to all but the battery cable connection at the starter switch and there is no way for the main fuse to **** regardless of where the actual problem is. So is there any other way to test the regulator and is there any other likely potential problem areas that could cause this?

#6 (**permalink**) 07-13-2010, 07:12 PM

Reversed battery will kill regulator rectifier. Even when key out, the regulators output is connected to the battery. Fuse cant **** fast enough to protect regulator. If regulator hot as soon as you connect charged battery (when key out), its dead.