Battery connected backwards!

[angusmallorca]

Hi All,

In a moment of madness, I have connected the battery terminals back to front on my SSC Stylus. The engine is a Ford X-flow 1600. It will still turn over with jump leads attached but shows no sign of firing at all. Any ideas what I might have trashed? Ignition coil, distributor, more? Any thoughts very gratefully received as I am not much of a mechanic.

Cheers

[artyis200]

i would imagine that the leads were only on for a split second cos there would of been sparks flying in every direction, there for you shouldn't of done any damage other than perhaps blowing your ignition fuse, i think you must of already had an underlying problem, take one spark plug out and hold it against the engine some were turn car over to see if you have a spark at the plug, its always the first port of call when the engine is not firing, then check points + ht leads, fuel and timing, don't forget a bit of choke!!!! check the dizzy cap for damp and hairline cracks

[angusmallorca]

Let's hope you are right. I have put a new battery in and it turns over fine but still no sign of firing. Will have to get a tool to remove plugs and try what you have suggested. Hopefully if something has burned out it will be something reasonably cheap like the coil! Thanks again for advice.

Angus

[artyis200]

just use a spare plug as long as its a good one, if you have a spark then it just leaves fuel or timing,DONT FORGET THE CHOCK!!!!