Battery connected wrong, what did I damage?

Question

I have a 1973 Motorhome with a 440. My buddy hooked up my battery while I was underneath working on a brake line. I noticed smoke from the alternator and yelled at him to unhook it. It now has a dead short. I think it is the fatest wire going to the alternator, because as it turns out it also smoked under the dash. I located that wire and traced it to the alternator. So, what do you think fried? Any help would be appreciated very much.

Answer 1

DODGE (Drive Or Drag Goes Everywhere ) well you need an alternator and voltage regulator for sure,and more than likely a balast resistor for the distributor and posibly points too.And take the starter off and test it; ; It may be fine .At this point with alt and regulator changed and main hot to the fuse box and ignition switch checked or replaced if burned up ; you can start it but just to be safe pull all your fuses and then start it up .Then one by one reinstall them and test circuits if you have a multiple battery system for for 12-volt service without 110 ac hook up (check the regulator and distribution switch on that system and batteries as well and if you have a converter that charges the batteries check it also .

voice of experience with motor homes ,did the same accident myself years ago (give your buddy a paper weight with a battery bolt in the middle of it ),it's an accidental mistake anyone can make .but it is fun to poke a little fun at it hence the paper weight !

Answer 2

replace the comlpete wire was the key on at the time .will the motor home re-start?you might of fried your altanator have it checked and the ballast restior maybe

Answer 3

you probably fried all fuses "link" the starer,alternator,computer
you w"ll need to check every wire and hope for the best good luck.....

Answer 4

you fried the fusable link that leads to the starter