Wes Welbaum 2 #1 Posted August 13, 2017 1973 16 hp hydrostatic model 10440. Reversed battery. Turned key, heard a click - lights went out, heard another click. Switched battery - nothing. What parts will i need to replace after this stupid move? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldredrider 2,547 #2 Posted August 13, 2017 You probably didn't do any damage. Check for clean and tight connections at the battery, grounding points. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 46,782 #3 Posted August 13, 2017 Wes Picked up a tractor awhile back that the PO sold because he couldn't get it running. After troubleshooting for an hour finally figured out the battery was installed backasswards. Corrected and she fired right up. Yes as ole red suggested make sure all the connections are good. Report back with any problems after that and we'll help from there. Perhaps @gwest_ca can find us manual with wiring diagram. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 10,499 #4 Posted August 13, 2017 Garry 1 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 38,932 #5 Posted August 13, 2017 A reversed battery will make the starter spin backwards. Ask me how I know this! 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KC9KAS 4,741 #6 Posted August 13, 2017 2 hours ago, squonk said: A reversed battery will make the starter spin backwards. Ask me how I know this! In that case, you don't have to worry about it engaging into the flywheel starter ring and making the engine run backwards! 2 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 35,773 #7 Posted August 13, 2017 (edited) Not sure, but does the reverse current short the points to ground and possibly weld them together? Just thinking out loud here. Check the fuses. Edited August 13, 2017 by Ed Kennell 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RubyCon1 62 #8 Posted August 13, 2017 1 hour ago, Ed Kennell said: does the reverse current short the points to ground and possibly weld them together? No, the ignition coil stays in the circuit as the load, limiting current thru the points regardless of the direction of current flow. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 51,709 #9 Posted August 13, 2017 3 hours ago, Ed Kennell said: does the reverse current short the points to ground and possibly weld them together? The coil isn't polarity sensitive, when I went from six volt positive ground on my '48 Ford to twelve volt negative ground all I did to the ignition was add a ballast resistor. The "+" on the coil is just to let you know it is the primary input terminal. A magnetic field will be created by the current flow either way. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 17,147 #10 Posted August 14, 2017 On tractors with positive grounds the + terminal of the coil goes to the points (Distributor) The - terminal goes to the ignition switch Share this post Link to post Share on other sites