85HP Force on 1988 invader, battery connected backwards

emmyb78

Recruit
Joined
Jun 24, 2012
Messages
2
My husband changed the battery and mistakenly connected the cables wrong way. While it was in that state, he cranked up the ignition, the engine didn't start. Realized his battery mistake, connected it the right way, the engine cranked up but wouldn't totally start anymore. He kept turning the key in the ignition, now there is really nothing happening to the engine. The dash lights are working, however we blown the fuses of the VHF radio and the stereo as well. The tilt wouldn't go up but would go down. After he kept turning the key in ignition, the tilt wouldn't go up and down anymore. Before this battery incident, everything was working properly with no problems whatsoever. A lot of people gave suggestions but I would really appreciate it on which is the best area to start first in checking or testing stuff and what could be wrong. I know it might be too much to ask but it would really help to point us to which parts or area of the boat to check first, second, third and so on and so forth. As for the steps of testing it, we have the engine manual to guide us but sometimes tips from all of you who had gone through the same process as ours would really greatly help.I'm sad about this mistake but I felt bad for my husband feeling so guilty that he made this mistake and kept saying sorry to me. Any help would be appreciated :)
 

jerryjerry05

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 7, 2008
Messages
18,183
Re: 85HP Force on 1988 invader, battery connected backwards

First place is under the dash.The fuse panel.Make sure the fueses are ok.Then spray WD or some other lube on the contacts.
The ground lead under the starter.Make sure it's tight.Loosen it and re-tighten.
The rectifier is probably shot.Disconecct it(red lead) and see if it starts.
outboard ignition . com or cdi electronics .com Has test procedures.
On the motor is 2 circut breakers make sure they have power through them.They may seem to be ok,just use a test light across both posts.
 

emmyb78

Recruit
Joined
Jun 24, 2012
Messages
2
Re: 85HP Force on 1988 invader, battery connected backwards

It was just the circuit breaker. The troubleshooting manual said to push the button on the circuit breaker, if it stay down then it's ok. If it goes back up it means something is tripping it. It stayed down and the engine is running well now :) I'm just glad it didn't damage any other stuff other than the fuses of the radio and stereo. Thanks for the help :) I'm so glad
 

catfishcarl99

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 25, 2012
Messages
723
Re: 85HP Force on 1988 invader, battery connected backwards

It was just the circuit breaker. The troubleshooting manual said to push the button on the circuit breaker, if it stay down then it's ok. If it goes back up it means something is tripping it. It stayed down and the engine is running well now :) I'm just glad it didn't damage any other stuff other than the fuses of the radio and stereo. Thanks for the help :) I'm so glad



you got lucky. a ground short not only tripped my breaker on my 50hp this spring but fried my cdi box. i bought used and fixed it under $100 luckly.
 
Top