Please help: Connected reverse polarity in batteries

[gabrielwk]

I installed new batteries and connected the polarity reversed (red wire to neg and black wire to positive) and started the boat, which did not start.

I connected the batteries correctly and all the electronics seemed to work but the boat did not start. However, I can hear a "click" (engine doesn't crank) which I assume comes from the starter. I believe I blew a fuse. I checked the 90Amp fuse on top of the starter and looks fine (not melted).

I read in other blogs smaller fuses (20amp and 15 amp) are connected in the same line that goes from the starter to the engine. I cannot find any set of fuses.

My boat: 2000 Sea Ray 260 Sundancer.

Any help will be extremely appreciated.

Thank you!

 

[MonacoMike]

Is there a fusible link in the wiring to the starter?

Replace the 90 fuse anyway…

 

[Skybolt]

So IF you are hearing the starter solenoid click, it isn't a fuse. Depending on how long they were connected backwards, the batteries could be toast. Does the battery charger still work, is it charging? Do you another battery that you can connect and see if the boat cranks over?

 

[Golfman25]

Yep, battery is likely drained. Try charging it first, but probably best to replace for longer term reliability.

 

[gabrielwk]

Thank you guys for your responses:

I could not find any fuse link. I might be looking in the wrong place because something similar happened to another boater and he said that he found a 15amp fuse blown.

Also, batteries are FULLY charged.

Since the starter solenoid clicks, doesn't that indicate that there is power between the batteries and the starter?

 

[ttmott]

Thank you guys for your responses:

I could not find any fuse link. I might be looking in the wrong place because something similar happened to another boater and he said that he found a 15amp fuse blown.

Also, batteries are FULLY charged.

Since the starter solenoid clicks, doesn't that indicate that there is power between the batteries and the starter?

Hmmm - the only fuseable link I've ever seen is between the alternator B+ and starting motor solenoid battery cable terminal. As far as starting motors and their solenoids connecting reverse polarity will not damage them. The starter may run backwards but still shouldn't do any damage. Reverse polarity on the alternator may be not so good however. These/this are carbureted engine(s) right?

 

[km1125]

Do you have one of these fuses on/near your starter?? Had a friend who did the same thing you did, and this was the type of fuse that was blown.

 

[Carpediem44DB]

I once did that to a piece of farm equipment and the battery actually changed polarity. I had to completely drain it then hook up the charger in the proper polarity to correct it. Works fine to this day. Check voltage with a VOM, red lead to positive, black to negative and if you get a negative voltage reading your polarity on the battery changed direction.
CD

 

[JayhawkCurtis]

I once did that to a piece of farm equipment and the battery actually changed polarity. I had to completely drain it then hook up the charger in the proper polarity to correct it. Works fine to this day. Check voltage with a VOM, red lead to positive, black to negative and if you get a negative voltage reading your polarity on the battery changed direction.
CD

Wow, I have never heard of that. Interesting