3 replies to this topic

[MickM]

My restoration project started with a complete strip down so i have never turned over the

engine in my 1966 mk1 mini cooper s.

Although it should be + earth, when i collected the car the battery was in the opposite way round and the lead were not 

connected but i believe the previous owners had try to start the car.

Other than the generator and voltage regulator, would anything else have been affected by trying to start 

the car with the battery terminals on the wrong way round.

I am intending to buy a new voltage regulator box anyway and polarize the generator before

installing the engine back into the shell.

[russo]

The only thing it would affect would be electronic ignition and radio if it has these. It is very easy to repolarise a generator, once the battery is installed just touch the live wire on to the field spade terminal (small) of the generator a couple of times. Just make sure that there are no accessories fitted to vehicle that rely on correct polarisation.

[dklawson]

Also check the coil connections.  The original positive earth setup would have a wire from the ignition switch on a terminal labeled "SW".  Then there would be a white/black wire between the distributor and the coil's "CB" terminal.  When you switch the car's earth you also switch those coil connections.  You won't damage anything if you forget but the spark will be a bit weaker.  (If the coil has been replaced, for negative earth wiring you want the ignition switch wire on coil (+) and the white/black distributor wire on coil (-) ).

 

When you fit the new control box, remember to clean the contacts with acetone or lacquer thinner.  New units are being shipped with a coating on the contacts to protect them when in storage.  That coating needs to be removed for the control box to function properly.

[MickM]

Thanks guys, your replies are a great help.