1996 GSX Squeaking when trying to start

[Laith’s GSX]

Hi everyone, I picked up a 1996 GSX just a couple weeks ago. I got a brand new battery and replaced the starter solenoid and it started right up. After that I did some maintenance on it. (replaced filters, VTS boot, and water box bellow. didn’t rebuild carbs thought) Then I replaced the gray fuel lines but when I tried to start it i heard a click and then squeaking noise. It wasn’t turning over at all. I ordered a new starter, charged the battery, and cleaned the battery connections but still got the squeaking sound. (I checked the gas in it but after start it but it was empty) I was already plaining to rebuild the engine but I was hoping I could get some use out of it this summer and I it during the winter. Is there anything that I could replace to help fix this or do I just gotta rebuild the whole thing? Let me know your thoughts!

 

[mikidymac]

Pull the gray plastic rear flywheel cover and remove the sparkplugs and see if you can turn it over by hand or if it is locked up.

 

[Laith’s GSX]

Ok thanks I’ll try that.

 

[Laith’s GSX]

So I tried to crank it by hand but it won’t move at all and I’m putting a decent amount of force into it. Do you really think it could be locked up? It was running 2 days ago. What could have happened between then and now?

 

[mikidymac]

Yes, it is locked up. Or at least something in the driveline is.
First thing I would do is pull the jet pump to determine if it is the pump or the engine.
Remove the C-Clip from the driveshaft under the stainless hat if you have the carbon driveshaft seal before removing the pump incase it is the engine.

 

[Laith’s GSX]

Hi I’m sorry to get back to you so late I got really busy at work. I took off the jet pump and tried to turn it over by hand but it still wouldn’t budge. I took the head off just to get a look at the cylinders and the cylinders look good. I noticed a lot of salt corrosion where the water runs through the ski. Im working on cleaning it out right now. Do you have an idea of what the problem could be? Do you think it could be something that I just need to replace since it was running only a couple days ago? or should I just go ahead and do the rebuild. I was hoping to get it on the lake this summer. Let me know what you think is the best idea.

 

[etemplet]

If you can't turn th engine over with the spark plugs out it is likely a connecting rod bearing.