Factory smoke

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gerhed

gerhed

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Right, so I was putting the battery in and while shooting the poop with a friend and me, being overconfident, hooked the battery up backwards, lol. I found the fusible link and slapped and inline fuse holder I had and stuck a 30 amp fuse in it so I could get things running, which I did, and it runs great, lol. Starts immediately, brakes work, clutch fine, parking brake works, everything, except a few gauges, like the temp and battery gauge. All the fuses are good, so I'm wondering if I fried the gauges with the reversed polarity battery. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. TYIA
 
fast 99

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Hooking up a battery backwards can cause all sorts of electrical gremlins. Yes, it's possible damage was done to either the wiring or gauge itself.
 
75gmck25

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Hooked cables up backwards on my ‘75 (why did GM factory use black cables for both?), and all it did was burn the fusible link that is connected to the junction on the firewall next to the brake booster. It all worked fine once I replaced the link and corrected the cable polarity.

Mine was only connected for a very short time (it started smoking immediately), and my ‘75 has an amp gauge not a voltmeter. Maybe I just dodged a bullet when it didn’t damage anything.
 
Y

YakkoWarner

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Whenever I disconnect/reconnect a battery I always hook up one side then give the other one a very quick tap on the terminal without actually putting it around (for a top post) or screwing it in (for a side post). That way if I see any kind of arc I know something is wrong and its only had a fraction of a second of current. Also do the same thing if jumpering another vehicle even though a bit of spark is expected there - if you get a big crackling arc you know not to proceed.
 
PrairieDrifter

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There's two or three fusible links down there. Did you check them all? Check fuses too.
 
Radiohead

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It's your lucky day! Looks like new stock has finally arrived.
You must be registered for see images attach


Now, a little known life hack that just might save your bacon after the unplanned polarity shift was installed. Saves having to convert the system, you can just pour and go.
You must be registered for see images attach
 
Turbo4whl

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There is a possibility that the alternator didn't enjoy the reverse feed either. So the engine will run off the battery, but did you check the running voltage to see if the alternator is charging?
 
gerhed

gerhed

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Took the alternator to the parts store and had it tested, it checked out fine. Other fusible links checked out. Only the temp and volt gauges quite working, so I ordered a couple new ones. We will see what's up after they get put in. I'm expecting to replace some bulbs too., I know a have a backup light out and the high beam indicator is out.
 
gerhed

gerhed

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Radiohead said:
It's your lucky day! Looks like new stock has finally arrived.
You must be registered for see images attach


Now, a little known life hack that just might save your bacon after the unplanned polarity shift was installed. Saves having to convert the system, you can just pour and go.
You must be registered for see images attach
Click to expand...
The perfect response.
 
Craig Nedrow

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Radiohead said:
It's your lucky day! Looks like new stock has finally arrived.
You must be registered for see images attach


Now, a little known life hack that just might save your bacon after the unplanned polarity shift was installed. Saves having to convert the system, you can just pour and go.
You must be registered for see images attach
Click to expand...
Geez Eric, your heading to the dark side where Rustynail dwells
 
Radiohead

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Y

YakkoWarner

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Radiohead said:
It's your lucky day! Looks like new stock has finally arrived.
You must be registered for see images attach


Now, a little known life hack that just might save your bacon after the unplanned polarity shift was installed. Saves having to convert the system, you can just pour and go.
You must be registered for see images attach
Click to expand...

Woo hoo! I'm trying to reassemble an MGB - that stuff could be a lifesaver! And its genuine Lucas so you know its been approved by the Prince of Darkness.
 
J

JBswth

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Turbo4whl said:
There is a possibility that the alternator didn't enjoy the reverse feed either. So the engine will run off the battery, but did you check the running voltage to see if the alternator is charging?
Click to expand...
A quick way to see of the alternator is working is to see if the back of the rear bearing cover is magnetized when engine is running - strong magnet, it is good. Weak or not magnetic, bad alternator.

J. B.
 
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