82 Kz750 ignition coils wired backwards

I recently did a top end rebuild on my 750. Once I got it all back together, I had some issues getting it to start. When I did get it running it was rough,I had some backfire and really rough idle. I blamed it on leaky carb boots. I replaced the boots today while doing that, I noticed that I had stupidly installed the ignition coils backwards.

By backwards I mean the positive was on negative and negative on positive. I had/have the spark plug wires ran correctly( right to 1-4 left to 2-3). I have not had a chance to get a battery in the bike and try it out but I was curious if having that wiring screwed up could have caused the issues? Also what are the chances it could have ruined that coils? I ask because I don't have a multi-meter yet, one is on the list of tools to get once I get paid.

I'm not positive but don't think coils have polarity.

BTW, the coil wires and spark plug caps unscrew on that model. You might want to consider updating those parts.

Are you saying you ran the engine with no battery in the bike? :huh: Ed

They are marked with polarity. That is how I figured out they were backwards. I have new ngk plugs and wires.

I haven't gotten a new battery yet because it is winter. I have one good battery in my 440 that I am currently using as my main bike. I just swap it around. When spring comes and it warms up I'll get a fresh battery.

Ah, good. I was afraid you might be running it while hooked up to a charger or other power source that might fry things. Ed

Turns out that was the problem. Got her to fire right up. Made it down the street a few times before we ran out of gas.