98 Sportster No Spark

[ctys20]

I have a 98 Sportster that has been in storage for the last few years. Anyway after buying a new battery and fuel I was getting 2 beeps and cranking but no start. Now there are no beeps but it still turns over though there is no spark.

I cleaned the battery terminals with emery cloth to get the corrosion off but still no beeps or spark though it does turn over. Also, one engine is seized so I have been using only the starboard engine - but I dont think that would affect the other engine?

I could try swapping ignition coils but I'd rather find a way to isolate the problem better that just blindly replacing parts.

thanks

 

[ocod]

The beeper may of gone bad and least of problem.

Try cutting back the spark plug wire jik.
Get a spark tester vs looking for a spark.
Spark may ignite fumes in hull.

 

[Dr Honda]

Yep to what he said. Dead buzzers are common on the 90's boats. (easy fix for later)

It's not very common, but the Coil/CDI unit can go bad. If you don't get a spark in the tester... then you will want to open the wires going back to the MAG, and make sure the coil isn't sorted, or open.

 

[ctys20]

Thanks for the replies. I've been using an extra spark plug so gas/oil isn't shooting out of the hole but I ordered a spark plug tester just to be on the safe side........

What do these engines use as a distributor?

 

[ocod]

Thanks for the replies. I've been using an extra spark plug so gas/oil isn't shooting out of the hole but I ordered a spark plug tester just to be on the safe side........

What do these engines use as a distributor?

Dr will confirm b/c I'm not electrically inclined but I think he was talking about this

 

[ctys20]

Even better - I used a wire brush to clean the insides of the spark plug boots and she fired right up!!! Thankfully these doo's have two engines b/c I've been putting around on one and thought I might need to get a pair of oars

Does anyone have any recommendations for a replacement port engine? I know it's seized and I'm not sure if the core is even good (but I haven't opened it yet b/c boat has been in storage). Do most places want to "usable" core, should I try to clean it up internally? I would rather go with a new engine instead of rebuilding.

Again, thanks everyone!

 

[ocod]

Even better - I used a wire brush to clean the insides of the spark plug boots and she fired right up!!! Thankfully these doo's have two engines b/c I've been putting around on one and thought I might need to get a pair of oars

Does anyone have any recommendations for a replacement port engine? I know it's seized and I'm not sure if the core is even good (but I haven't opened it yet b/c boat has been in storage). Do most places want to "usable" core, should I try to clean it up internally? I would rather go with a new engine instead of rebuilding.

Again, thanks everyone!

Fast and now but $$
www.shopsbt.com

Take a chance on used engine from minnetonka4me or 99spxxx. Both regular forum members that part out 100's of ski's and offer good replacement parts at fraction of price.

Wait months
fullbore or SES

 

[ctys20]

It looks like SBT ($745) is about $50 cheaper than PWC, but they both want the core. I'm not sure how good my core is going to be but the price seems pretty good. The local boat place wanted $1900 and the job doesn't seem that bad to DIY - compared to replacing a car engine at least.

I might try to rebuild myself BUT when I removed the spark plus they were rusted over pretty good.........

 

[ocod]

It looks like SBT ($745) is about $50 cheaper than PWC, but they both want the core. I'm not sure how good my core is going to be but the price seems pretty good. The local boat place wanted $1900 and the job doesn't seem that bad to DIY - compared to replacing a car engine at least.

I might try to rebuild myself BUT when I removed the spark plus they were rusted over pretty good.........

As long as there are no holes in the case they will take just about everything!
Don't bother doing it yourself.
SBT will have your motor there next wk. Plus there will be a warranty.
Just send them back yours.............