[Mgs] Electrical question

[Barrie Robinson]

Hello folks at world,

A sort of friend of mine found his battery was flat in his.......now 
wait for it......Saab!  But this is an electrical question not a 
Saab/MG/Brit car question.

He charged the battery and replaced with a resultant huge cloud of 
smoke and burning smell.  The lead between the alternator and chassis 
was toast (it may have been the starter - he is not too 
observant!).   Someone said it was because he reversed the polarity 
(hmmmm!) but the shop said the battery plates had collapsed and 
shorted out.   To me neither sounds right.  Anybody got an insightful 
suggestion

Regards

Barrie
barrie at look.ca
(705) 721-9060