1999 951 XP Limited - starter engaging but motor not turning

[tigerclaw]

Hi, My 1999 XP Limited is not starting, its gets the double beeps, all gauges are working and when I hit the starter button I get a loud "cluck" so I assume the solenoid/bendix is engaging but the motor is not turning. I have tried two different batteries after making sure both are charged. I last started the ski two months ago and we played with it all day no problem. While I'm writing this I am remembering that sometimes when we start it it would engage and wouldnt turn and then on the second or third attempt it would turn and start, I always thought that its probably just battling on the compression stroke but it should probably never have that problem? So I'm thinking the starter needs to be A) services or B) replaced, is it correct that it can be removed without taking the motor out? and approximately how much does a new starter cost? (at the same time, is it possible that I have a stuck ring or something that I can break loose and all will be well?) - Thanks for the help

 

[Dr Honda]

Take the spark plugs out, and see if it cranks over.


Also... you may have corrosion at the cable connections, at the starter. Take all the main cables off, and clean them... and try it again. If it doesn't crank at that point... make sure the solenoid is OK.

If that all checks out... rebuild the starter.

 

[Minnetonka4me]

You can jump the solinoid with a pliers....if it cranks over, then its the solinoid.

If it doesnt crank its the wires or the starter. It isnt an easy job with the carbs and exhaust on, but doable...just take the Flame arrestor off.

 

[tigerclaw]

Thanks for the answers, I tried with the plugs out but it had the same result, I dont think its corrosion on the cables because the ski spends 95% of its life inland but i will check that too (no real signs of corrosion anywhere else on the ski). From workshop manual I see the starter is under the carbs. I'm fairly good mechanically (I have rebuilt a couple of car engines) but I have never dealt with a "flame arrestor" what is that? Also will I see the terminals on the starter easily enough? (ie will I know what to short with the pliers?)

 

[Gmetz]

Like Minnetonka4me said......jump the solenoid first in the aft electrical box! Mine did the same thing, just a clunk. Jumped directly at the solenoid and it spun over like a wild thing! Took the solenoid out of the box and it was corroded on the bottom and fell apart. New one fixed it. This was on a 98 GSX.

 

[Chester]

...While I'm writing this I am remembering that sometimes when we start it it would engage and wouldnt turn and then on the second or third attempt it would turn and start...

You need a new solenoid.

Chester