1998 Challenger - Engine won't run when in water

[DeannaM1073]

We recently just purchased this boat used and it has twin rotax motors. We took the boat out and while driving across the lake one engine died. Then when we tried to re-start it, it wouldn't start and it killed the other engine. Finally got the second engine re-started and everytime tried to start the first engine that orginally died it would kill the second motor. Any ideas on what could be causing this? We limped back into the boat ramp with one engine and then once we were out of the water we tried to start the engines and both started with no problems. Any ideas on what's going on? Thanks for any input.

 

[kustomkarl]

Welcome to the seadoo forum Denanam1073. Iwould check the ground wires to the engine and the one to the mpem box.Make sue they are clean and tight. Be sure the battery'a are full charged too.

Karl

 

[DeannaM1073]

Thanks for the input. We thought it was probably something to do with wiring. Do you happen to know why starting one engine would kill the other running engine? Is this possibly from a wiring issue also?

Also do you know if the battery is weak will it charge back up if one of the engines is runnng? Thanks!

 

[kustomkarl]

Each battery is independent of each other with one MPEM, and one rectifier. The ground is a common element that if the ground is not a good connection it will hamper the other engine. I would have the batteries checked as a full charged battery could still have a bad cell and not have the amps to keep the engine running. The best way to check the batteries is to go to like Auto Zone, for free and have them LOAD tested to be sure. If the batteries are low on charge, disconnect them and charge them out of the boat so as not to surge any electrical Items, or cause a fire.

Karl

Karl

 

[DeannaM1073]

We will try this and hopefully this will be an easy fix since we have just purchased it and haven't been able to use it but once for about an hour. Boat is in excellent condition otherwise and has (1) brand new motor so hopefully this is just a minor tweaking issue and we will be able to enjoy it for the rest of the season. Thanks again for the input and quick response.

 

[kustomkarl]

Let us know how you make out...

Karl