1997 Seadoo GSX - Takes FOREVER to get cold started - Just got it!

[LordX]

Hey all - first post here!

I just got a 1997 Seadoo GSX from a dealer in town. I test ran it twice before buying (the first time found some issues which they apparently fixed). The guy started the machine before putting it in the water both times - which I thought was odd - but didn't think twice about it.

I hauled the ski up to where I ride - tossed it into the water - choke out and starter going.... and going.... and going... tried without choke - again and again and again.

The battery they had in it was older - and started dying - so I recharged it for 2 hours.

I took out the plugs - they were covered with gas - so I flooded it????

I let the plugs dry out - put everything back in - and went back to starting it - this time on the lift.

Still took a little while to start (way longer than my older 1995 Seadoo XP). Finally got it started - pulled it off the lift - and ripped.

I noticed no other weirdness while driving it - no hesitations etc - and I reached 53mph (I am a heavier guy so that was good speed for me!).

I brought it back in - my wife got her jacket on - got on it - and it started in like 5-8 turnovers - and off she went.

So once the thing is on and warm - it starts alright.

I don't want to drain my batteries though all summer and have to take them out to recharge - PITA!

Any ideas what could be the culprit here?

My only ideas: Change the plugs - upgrade to a good deep cycle battery.

I don't want to start throwing money at it though if there is some other known issue going on here.

 

[motox25]

First things first, I'd check your compression. If that checks out, check the electrical system to make sure your getting good spark. You can do this with a cheap in line spark tester like they sell at harbor freight. I'd replace the battery first, then if necessary clip back your spark plug boot wires and reinstall them. If your getting good spark, check the fuel system. Replace the fuel lines if they are the grey tempo fuel lines and if they are then the carbs will likely need overhauled to remove the gunk.

 

[Dr Honda]

A deep cycle battery is the wrong thing. They are meant to discharge slow, and long. They generally don't do well as a "Starting" battery. But, with that said... I dont' think they make a "16" type battery other than a "Powersports/Starting" version. BUT... get a good brand (Die-Hard, Yuasa) and it should crank very well.


But, with that said... cranking for a long time is hard on the entire system. I always start my engines out of the water to make sure they will start... and to clear/purge them out.


Personally... I would take the carbs apart... and make sure they are OK. A lot of times, an aftermarket regulator diaphragm will cause hard starting, due to flooding. If you take the cover off, and the center nipple of the diaphragm isn't red... then replace it with an OEM/Mikuni diaphragm.

 

[LordX]

Ok - I took the following steps:

1. replaced the spark plugs with brand new NGK BR8ES's and made sure the gap was at 0.024 for both.

2. cleaned out spark plug connector wires/heads

3. replaced battery

4. Used a little dielectric grease on the battery connections and spark plug wires.

Result: Normal starting!!!!

After a week of sitting on the lift - I turned it over for 5 seconds choke out - then 5 more seconds and boom - started up.