1997 Sea Doo XP Starting Issue

[MikeDiablo]

Hey Guys (and girls),
I've done my homework but still can't wrap my head around this one.
I just picked up the ski 2 days ago and thought this was an easy fix.
Keep in mind that this only happens only when the ski has been sitting more than a few minutes. When I press the Start Button, the starter engages with a light clunk. I let go and press again and then it turns over properly and starts. Sometimes it does this 3 or 4 times before it turns over properly and starts. If I shut it down and press the starter again, it fires right up everytime. Compression 150 in each cylinder, the engine spins fairly easily with the plugs out but I need to use a set of pliers to grab the driveshaft. I've charged the new battery at 2A for 24hrs, cleaned all of my connections, grounds, solenoid terminals. The starter is a cheap Dixie, it was changed in the spring. It looks like there is some very light impact marks on the starter gear, I don't know if that's entirely normal.

Why would it start without any trouble at all, once it's been started?? Could it be some kind or vapor lock with the RAVE valves not opening (Keep in mind that I have no idea what I'm talking about here).

Any suggestions??
Thanks!
Marc

 

[timmyboy76]

welcome aboard, Marc...possible, u have "dead spots" on that cheap starter, or the relay is start'n to go south, or red cables aren't in best conditions along with their ring terminals, or the ground cables....could be 1 or multiple possibilities, stud.

With plugs out, that motor should turn easy/smooth, with little to no effort at all. You shouldnt be using pliers to tun it, bro...with plugs in, yeah.

 

[MikeDiablo]

Thanks for the welcome and the quick reply!

I know that the ski has been turned over a couple of times and filled with water once. It pulls really well and actually does almost 60 MPH (according the the spedo). Any ideas why it might be hard to turn? I can only get my thumb and index around the driveshaft to turn it.

Thanks!
Marc