I am an idiot

[skidded]

...I wouldn't charge that battery in the house. It will off-gas hydrogen while charging. Very explosive. If you think you saw sparks before, stand back! Hope I'm not too late. I haven't heard of any houses blowing up in the Cambridge area in the last two days.

After you get your electrical woe's fixed, buy a battery tender. To keep a slow charge on the battery during the cold months.

You guys are awesome. I was lost after Paco's reply on page one!

When I mentioned recharging the battery, I meant on the trickle charger. I have a battery tender and have that in the house....nothing more industrial than that.

I apolgize for not updating earlier. That night I went home and removed the battery. Then I checked the main fuse and it was definitely blown. I fortunately have spares and was able to replace it, but I wanted to be sure the battery was fully-charged before further starting attempts. Then yesterday the Northeast was hit by a very disappointing snow/sleet storm and I haven't been able to work on it again. Tonight I *should* be able to try it again....if just to make sure I can get it started.

If it DOES start (fingers crossed), I know I'm not necessarily out of the woods yet. What else should I be looking for? Do I need special equipment/tools or will it be readily apparant that something else is wrong?

[tkent02]

Please don't insult the man.....

The name of the unit honors James Watt (1736-1819), the British engineer who built the first practical steam engines.

James Watt was a Scot.

[brveagle]

You'll need a new battery.... Definently

[Dink]

James Watt was a Scot.

Which is part of Britain

Dink

[prxbadger]

Which is part of Britain

Dink

it is??? :-D

[Hap Call]

Which is part of Britain

Dink

Yes, it's part of the British Isles. The countries of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland make up the United Kingdom. Scotland, Wales, and England are all on the Isle of Great Britian. Northern Ireland is on the Island of Ireland.

Hap

[mixongw]

Reminds me of the old joke:

What happens when you put your battery in your car backward?

Your horn sucks, your lights cast shadows and your radio listens.

[skidded]

The snow/ice finally cleared up enough for me to put the battery back in and test it out. I'd already replaced the main fuse. So far so good...it fired right up yesterday. I let it run for about 10-15 minutes and all seemed to be OK.

Rode to work today and everything still seems OK. I suppose I'll be able to tell if there was any permanent damage to the charging system by the time I leave work tonight, but I'm encouraged so far.

Thanks again for everyone's feedback and the geography lessons....they're very much appreciated!

~S

[mixongw]

Fuses are wondeful little devices.