reverse battery leads

[Hammerdown]

I must have been on drugs this morning as i have no other explanation for my complete stupidity. I did indeed hook my battery leads backward and sure enough a giant cloud of smoke came out from under the motor cover. To my amazement it does have spark and it does start but it acts like it is only hitting on both cylinders half the time. I have looked for the source of the smoke but have found nothing that looks burnt. Is it possible the cd2 box is gone or possibly the rectifier or ???. The motor is a 1987 40hp evinrude. I did hear something pop but am unable to see what made the noise. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[petryshyn]

Re: reverse battery leads

The rectifier is likely toast. disconnect it and see if engine runs better with it off. You may get lucky and only have to replace the rectifier...(and maybe some onboard electronics?)