Big Spark When Battery Cable Is Connected

"After winter storage, I went

"After winter storage, I went to crank the engine and noticed that the battery was low. I removed the battery, charged it, and went to reinstall it. When I attempt to connect the positive cable to the battery I am getting a strong spark. All of the equipment is turned off. This is a 1987 454. Any ideas?"

"[b]"All of the equipment

""All of the equipment is turned off."

Ayuh,.... No it Ain't.....

Something Is drawing power....."

Not sure what to say... I have

Not sure what to say... I have checked every switch that I can think of to see if something was on and I can't find anything. Are there any big capacitors or similar in the electronic ignition that have to get an initial charge?

reversing the battery leads gi

reversing the battery leads gives you a spark along with wiping out the alt.

Have an automatic bilge pump?

Have an automatic bilge pump? JW in Dixie

"quote -- When I attempt to co

"quote -- When I attempt to connect the positive cable to the battery I am getting a strong spark. --

You should always connect the positive cable FIRST. Thus if done right there will never be a spark when connecting the positive cable.

Then next, when you get a spark as you connect the NEGATIVE you must realize something is still on, or a short exists somewhere. A really big spark/crack usually means a short. You may even smell or see something burning. Minor spark could mean simply the radio was left on, or bilge pump, or even a Mercathode system in operation."

"Could be a light switch has b

"Could be a light switch has been left on. Check your accessory switch panel. Something somewhere is drawing power, and even if its a light, it will kill your battery in time.

Rod"

"As the saying goes for the po

"As the saying goes for the positive lead;
FIRST ON, LAST OFF. You also put yourself at risk doing otherwise. (ever seen a batt go KABOOM)
Kurt"

"Bt Doctur,
You hit it on the

"Bt Doctur,
You hit it on the head. I reversed the cables while working in the engine compartment and that was causing the spark. Thanks for everyone's comments and help. I guess its time to pull the alternator and have it repaired!"