Mercury 2005 90ELPT

by Ted
(New Hampshire)

Dummy move. I'm old, don't see well, and connected the battery with reversed terminals. -12V, instead of +12V. Can't lower or start engine. Most gauges work, as does horn. But nothing in on, or start positions of ignition switch. I bought SELOC manual for it, but not knowledgeable enough to see what could, or did happen.

I wondered if I cooked the alternator, rectifier, or both. There are 3 fuses on the positive terminals: 2 heavy red wires to 30 amp fuses, and lighter red and white wires on single 10 amp fuse. None of the fuses are blown. I noticed it drew an arc when I first hooked it up backwards, but it always drew a slightly smaller arc when I connected it correctly in the past. There has always been some draw down after shut off, so I always disconnected battery at end of day. I suspect radio has constant on feature - thus the drawdown, which kills battery after about 2 weeks of no use.

The engine is on a 2005 Godfrey PartiKraft 22' pontoon boat (model 22-8.0-25) I bought several years ago, and have had no troubles with boat or engine until now.

I just went back out and reattached the batt cables (correctly), and still no start or up/down on the engine.

After reconnecting, tried panel switches, noticed bottom right hand switch turns on, led lights, then flashes, then after approx 15 secs it s breaker pops. The other switches light, but don't flash, and no breakers. Boat is 16 yrs old, and legends on switches are gone, and don't remember from last year what each does, and can't tell much without lift/trim or ignition on/start.

I can't hear anything when I try start or up/down. Also can't smell or see any burnt wires or other components.

Suspect I have to draw hydraulic fluid from lift/drop cylinder to lower engine to even get cover completely off.

Can any one tell me what I may have done to have no engine lift/drop and no start, and maybe how to test suspect components?

Sure would appreciate any help.

Thanks,

Ted