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What did I mess up, and how do I fix it?

Old May 9, 2009 | 08:36 PM
  #1  
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Default What did I mess up, and how do I fix it?

Long time no see. I've come back for some more free expert advise.

About September of last year, I got stuck in traffic with my 1993 zx6-e (600) for a long period of time and found anti-freeze spewing from the right rear fairing. I towed the bike home. A few months later I tried to start it and got nothing. I charged the battery to full capacity and tried to start it again; though this time I hooked up the positive cable to negative terminal and the negative cable to the positive terminal. Yes, I'm a dumbass, I know.

I then took the battery to get tested and charged to full capacity, and gave it another shot. Still no response. I checked the fuses and they all look good.

Does anyone know what I would have messed up hooking up the battery incorrectly? Any ideas on how to fix it? Also, if you have any idea on what could have happened to make the anti-freeze spray, out I'd be glad to hear it. The coolant tank and connections look fine. I've heard that it could be the thermostat.

Thanks for the help guys, I really appreciate it.
 
Old May 10, 2009 | 12:24 AM
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Brain boxes don't like reverse polarity; may have a problem there.
The anti-freeze issue sounds like either you cooked the coolant and blew it out the overflow tank, or, you toasted a head gasket and THEN blew coolant out the overflow.
Was the cooling fan working? It SHOULD have brought the temp back down before you had the problem. However, since it's a '93, my bet would be the head gasket. Don't take out the thermostat to solve a cooling issue. That's an old wives tale which doesn't allow the coolant or engine to work at their optimum temperature. You can change the thermostat, but I don't think that's the problem.
Let us know what you find. We're pretty good with free expert advice.
 
Old May 12, 2009 | 04:26 AM
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So what did you find Dallin? The overflow hose puking coolant? etc, etc.?
 
Old May 12, 2009 | 08:20 AM
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I would lean towards the fan not kicking on causing the overheating...

You broke out the multimeter and tested power before and after the fuses and the wiring thru the battery circuit?
 
Old May 14, 2009 | 01:52 AM
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hahaha, when did KF get the Jeapordy flare?
 
Old May 16, 2009 | 11:32 PM
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Results:

A blown fuse (which I had thought was suppose be visible) and a hose that came undone. Pretty good news..
 
Old May 17, 2009 | 12:28 AM
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Right on, congrats on the fix
 
Old May 18, 2009 | 12:07 AM
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Thanks man, and thanks all for the brainstorming; the warm weather and dead bike were killing me.
 
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