<VV> What *could* be damaged by reversing the battery?

[Jim Houston]

On any DC motor, if you reverse both the field and armature, it rotates 
the same direction (I think it works that way)..  Same with the heater 
motor, wiper motor, etc.... 

I had a 1951 Chevy that I converted from 6volts to 12volts.. never 
changed the starter..  you're right, it would spin like crazy!!  I 
figured I would replace it when it burned out, but it never did..

Jim

WadeHalsey wrote:

> Jim Houston wrote:
>
>> I brought an MGB home from England in '73 that was positive ground..  
>> I reversed the battery, repolarized the generator (flashed the 
>> regulator), installed a U.S. radio (the Brit one won't receive 
>> anything over here), and drove merrily on my way...  everything 
>> worked as advertised...
>> Jim Houston
>> Brandon, FL 
>
> I would have thought that the starter would spin backward----is that 
> not the case? I have a Model A Ford that I occasionally have jump 
> started by hooking the cables up positive to positive and negative to 
> negative. BTW, a 12V battery spins that 200 ci four cylinder in a hurry!
>
> Wade Halsey