Reverse polarity hookup?

[Gyrogearloose]

Well, now I've done it. While bench syncing the carbs (again), I thought I may as well charge the battery. OK...I had the neg. lead disconnected (and taped the loose end to prevent an accidental grounding), and hooked up the charger. While trying to get a better connection (battery still in bike) , I was horrified to notice the RED (always positive in my book) was hooked to the neg side of the battery! !@#%$^&*!!! I changed it and went ahead with the sync job. Then, everything back together, I tried to start it. NOTHING. I rechecked my fuel lines (air to top "T's", fuel to bottom "T's"). Nothing registered....until I started thinking about spark. WHAT HAVE I DONE?..and where do I start the process of running down what I've ruined?..or did I? Thanks.

[vanhump]

Did you check that some P.O. had not put on a new lead of the wrong color?

[bikerphil]

polarity

If you had it hooked up backwards, you should have noticed a big spark? Check the fuses!

[Gyrogearloose]

Yes, V/Hump, that's exactly what happened: The PO has a red battery lead connected to the neg. side of the battery, and me, not thinking, hooked the positive of the charger to it. Darn! Stupidity can be costly.

[trbig]

Naw... you'll be fine. I am uncertain what bike you have, but there will be a main 30 amp fuse that you blew. Some of the main fuses are on the back side of the fuse panel (I'm told). The XJ has it's main fuse in what looks to be a little white box that looks like some kind of relay box or somthing right under the seat. Whatever it is, it should have a couple good sized red wires going to/from it. The little guys in the white lab coats saw this coming... new fuse when you find it and all will be fine.... except for the un-synched carbs part.


Tod

[Gyrogearloose]

Oh man, really? Whew!! You know I'll be looking. I hope you're right. thanks.