Short circuit damage ?

[andrewkafp]

Merc 50 @1980 model Distributorless ignition.<br /><br />I had ignition on and was testing electric choke<br />soloniod by running jumper cable from positive battery terminal to choke.<br />The soloniod kicked in OK meaning the problem was in the switch.<br />As I removed the probe, it lightly touched on the cowling and sparked.. OOOPS<br />Would this have likely damaged the rectifier or charging system in any way ?<br />The short didn't go through the system, it directly grounded the battery positive.<br />I read the manual, which pretty much states that the main ways to cause damage is to 1. reverse polarity 2. remove terminals while running and 3.<br />have broken cables.

 

[12Footer]

Re: Short circuit damage ?

Since the short was at the battery, I would think everything else is not having any current put thru it.<br />So I would think you are safe there. Reverse polarity would kill rectifer,regulator, or cd box--or all three.<br />But think of that accidental short as a hoorific "Start" or pushing in of a cigarette lighter. It's highly unlikely that anything was damaged. But if, lets say, you inadvertantly grounded the positive side of the rectifier, yes, it would probably be damaged due to the path the current took (thru the device).

 

[andrewkafp]

Re: Short circuit damage ?

Thanx 12footer.<br /><br />It's 8:00pm here in AUS, but 6:00 am there.... <br />You are an early starter..<br />And.. you wouldn't believe it.. that malfunctioning electric choke (black button) only needed a bit of WD40 spray and some "manipulation" and BINGO it was working again.<br />But that's how you learn.. a combination of advise from you guys, getting some grease on my hands and a bit of L U CK.<br />Next time I'll probably do the SAME thing.<br />(Without the short)

 

[12Footer]

Re: Short circuit damage ?

I'm Usually up at 6AM to get going, but got up early today....I usually don't logon in the mornin before heading out to the salt mines, but this AM was an exception...I knew I had to find my keys,because they were not where I leave them at night (by my alarm clock). I hate suprises in the morning, on a Monday, in the rain....It kinda has a way of setting the mood for an entire week. <br /><br />But yes, I've learned far more from this site in the time I've been here, that I learned from 6 years at my dad's fish camp! And I still learn something new allmost every day here.<br />Bruno has really provided us boaters a great depot for a priceless wealth of information.