98 GSX ltd....no start

[ZeusDad]

Hey guys. Having a problem with one of my skis. I went and bought a brand new battery and charged it up and installed it.

when i put the key in, i get the normal beeps like it does, hit the start button, i heart a click, then more beeps.
My lcd screen is shot (Another project) so i can’t see what it’s telling me. It seems like the click is the solenoid. The starter doesn’t sound like it’s trying to turn the motor over at all. I checked the fuses and all are intact.


any ideas?? Thank

 

[Ckrawiec]

The click is most likely the solenoid.....what happens if you short the solenoid posts together with a screwdriver? Does the starter try to crank the engine?

 

[ZeusDad]

Just tried that. Just sparked. No crank on the starter...

 

[Benfica7685]

Just tried that. Just sparked. No crank on the starter...

Im having the same exact problem but on a 99 idk if we have the same ground path but By chance do you have 2 ground cables and if so what are they connected to?

 

[Ckrawiec]

Just tried that. Just sparked. No crank on the starter...

Starter is probably shot.....OR the RED cable from solenoid post to starter is bad. The OEM starter (if it is still the OEM starter) is better than any aftermarket starter out there......cables have been known to rot out internally (look fine outside but nothing left on the inside)...you could try to make a jumper from the solenoid post (battery side) and touch the starter cable connection on the starter with the other end (i'd use a stranded 12 guage wire or bigger if you have) just to test/bypass the current cable in the ski.....that would narrow it down back to the cable or the starter. If the starter jumps to life and tries to crank the engine...then bad cable, otherwise bad starter.....(i'd take the plug wires off and ground them to the posts on the electric box and the spark plugs out if you do that)...takes the piston compression load off the engine

You can pull the starter and take it apart (if a bad starter)......you might just get away with cleaning the comminuter bars IF there is any meat still left on the carbon brushes, but if the brushes are worn down, a rebuild kit is in order (about $35.00). Yes, you can buy aftermarket starters for not much more than that...but caveat emptor.....you might get a season out of it (that's what I did until I rebuilt my OEM). It's an option.

 

[ZeusDad]

Okay, will try a jumper cable first...

Not to sound like an idiot, but i can't locate the starter... i just changed the starter in my '96 SP, which was difficult bc it I did it blind with a couple bolts, but got it done.

In the GSX, I tried reaching under the carbs from the rear, but the truss is in the way. I cant get my hands down in front of the motor bc of the exhaust pipe.

I cant find the damn starter. Is it on the starbord side? Everything is jammed in there... is it under the carbs on the port side? Do i have to pull the exhaust pipe? Anyone have a basic schematic on the starter location?

 

[Benfica7685]

Okay, will try a jumper cable first...

Not to sound like an idiot, but i can't locate the starter... i just changed the starter in my '96 SP, which was difficult bc it I did it blind with a couple bolts, but got it done.

In the GSX, I tried reaching under the carbs from the rear, but the truss is in the way. I cant get my hands down in front of the motor bc of the exhaust pipe.

I cant find the damn starter. Is it on the starbord side? Everything is jammed in there... is it under the carbs on the port side? Do i have to pull the exhaust pipe? Anyone have a basic schematic on the starter location?

It should be right underneath the carbs. Yes it is a pain to get to, I used a mirror and light down there to see better. Be sure to remove air boxes first and the battery (this is important). Remove the positive cable on starter post and I believe you have a negative cable on the magneto. You should see the engine magneto that holds the starter in place with 2 allen bolts. Once you remove all that you’ll have to twist and pull , might have to use a flat head on armature shaft side to try pry it out.

IF you’re confident you can remove the carbs and exhaust manifold then yes it is Much easier to work on the starter however it will be more Patience and time consuming. If you decide this option, I like to remove the carbs first even though the exhaust is above it allows You to get that lug on bottom of manifold. Just make sure you remember where everything goes and all fuel lines In, out and pulse in correct nipples of the carbs. Then the exhaust comes off 2nd. Once thats out then youll be able to see the starter easily.
If you choose this option might as well check the gaskets they might have to be replaced and check to see if the carbs are cleaned. I also did the rotax gasket while it hey why not. Let us know which way you decide to go.