Could reversing polarity on battery kill starter even if I did not try and start?

[dcherny71]

# 2001 - Volvo Penta 4.3 GL (duratec V-6 block) SX outdrive

Hi, I got excited for the new season and reversed polarity on my battery. I turned the incorrectly wired battery "on" but I did not try and start (no key in the ignition, etc.). This immediately fried my alternator (nice puff of smoke) which has been replaced by a "professional". After getting an okay (the mechanic had run the engine), I went out and after I stopped I could not restart. Got towed back.

The batteries were analyzed at auto parts store (good) and fed on the trickle charger for a few days. I tried to start in work dock but, just like before, it barely cranked and after a couple tries didn't crank at all (just a thwack from the starter and high pitched whine).

The thing is the starter is new last season. Does anyone know if reversing the polarity and engaging the battery, but not trying to start, still would have cooked my mostly new starter? If you think its the starter, is it fixable?

Thanks,
License To Chill

 

[Don S]

Re: Could reversing polarity on battery kill starter even if I did not try and start?

It could be the cables themselves. If on the small size, they could be melted internally or the ends melted and loose.
If cables are good (Check both ends, of both positive and negative cables), make sure they are clean and tight....... with a wrench, not just your fingers on the wingnuts.
Put a volt meter on your battery terminals (NOT the battery cable ends) and see what the voltage is while the starter is cranking the engine.

 

[dcherny71]

Re: Could reversing polarity on battery kill starter even if I did not try and start?

I had the starter off so I took it to the auto parts store. The solenoid engaged but the pinion gear did not turn. The guy couldn't tell me how many cold cranking amps their test machine had. Then I googled something about how you have to be careful not to reverse the polarity when you jump your starter because you'll burn out your rectifier (rectifier converts AC to DC). So now I'm going on the presumption that my rectifier is bad although I still haven't figured out how the current got there (out-of-my-depth-guess). I'm taking it to a starter-rebuild guy Monday although what I really want to do is go buy a starter and go boating tomorrow. Any idea how bad of a guess I am making?

Thank you for your advice. The next time I get to the boat I will inspect wiring and bring a voltmeter to test battery voltage.

 

[Don S]

Re: Could reversing polarity on battery kill starter even if I did not try and start?

The rectifier (diodes) are in your alternator, not your starter.

The guy couldn't tell me how many cold cranking amps their test machine had.

Cold cranking amps is a measure of the batteries ability to crank the engine when cold, without the starter being on an engine and being tested it takes very little amperage to turn the starter. If the starter wouldn't turn on a test stand, you need a starter.

 

[dcherny71]

Re: Could reversing polarity on battery kill starter even if I did not try and start?

Thanks for the clarification! I'll buy that starter.

I am going to ask the rebuild shop to diagnose what went wrong with the starter. My starter shouldn't be failing after one year.

 

[dcherny71]

Re: Could reversing polarity on battery kill starter even if I did not try and start?

Update: fired up fine with the new starter.

The starter had rusted out according to rebuild shop. It's shot. So, on a Volvo-Penta 4.3 GL (43GLPELFS) you don't fry your starter if you reverse polarity and only turn the battery on. You do fry the alternator.

I bought a Volvo-Penta starter replacement. It seems to have smaller opening for pinion gear and arm and better mating to block. The other one had a gap that was letting in moisture.

Could anyone tell me if I should put sealant where the starter mates to the block to prevent rusting?

Thanks.

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: Could reversing polarity on battery kill starter even if I did not try and start?

Could anyone tell me if I should put sealant where the starter mates to the block to prevent rusting?

Leave the sealant in your tool box, no need for it.

 

[Don S]

Re: Could reversing polarity on battery kill starter even if I did not try and start?

Sealant's not going to help, you have to find a way of keeping the engine dry.