Compression question (Doc?)

[dsw222]

This is probably a stupid question, but I'll ask anyways...

A guy said his ski needs a new starter (said that was the mechanic's diagnosis). I asked if compression was good and he had no idea what I was talking about.

So if I wanted to buy it... I wouldn't be able to test compression, would I?

Or would I still be able to get a reasonable estimate with the "bad" starter (not sure how bad of condition its in).

What would you do?

 

[RFoster130]

You wont be able to compression test it unless the starter will crank it over. It could have tons of other problems and not run at all. If it wont start, I wouldnt buy it unless it was VERRYY cheap. If you swap the starter and it wont run you might be stuck with junk.

If he wanted to sell it bad enough, why not spend the $200 to get it fixed?

 

[JoeZ]

Thread moved to 2-stroke seadoo boating forum.

 

[dsw222]

Thread moved to 2-stroke seadoo boating forum.

why? its a pwc

 

[dsw222]

You wont be able to compression test it unless the starter will crank it over. It could have tons of other problems and not run at all. If it wont start, I wouldnt buy it unless it was VERRYY cheap. If you swap the starter and it wont run you might be stuck with junk.

If he wanted to sell it bad enough, why not spend the $200 to get it fixed?

Yeah, thats a good point. It would definitely go for a lot more if it was working.

Here's what else he said when I asked for details about the problem/diagnosis....

"ski wouldn't turn over when i tried to give a final flush after day of riding. when you try to start its a buzzing noise and wont turn over. took it to marine mechanic and he said starter needs replaced"

 

[Greg]

dsw he saw your avatar said you had a challenger so I am guessing he assumed you were referring to it. I have moved this to PWC.

 

[RFoster130]

Sounds kinda sketchy to me. Why not just replace the starter then. Makes me wonder if he flushed it and didnt run the engine and it sat till it locked up.

 

[JoeZ]

My appologies....yes I just looked at your avatar info and saw a boat. Was in a hurry trying to get the Merc section sorted out. Sorry again!

 

[dsw222]

My appologies....yes I just looked at your avatar info and saw a boat. Was in a hurry trying to get the Merc section sorted out. Sorry again!

Its all good... I like the new forum style, nice work fellas!

Sounds kinda sketchy to me. Why not just replace the starter then. Makes me wonder if he flushed it and didnt run the engine and it sat till it locked up.

I agree, it does sound a bit shady... I'm going to pass on it. I guess I don't need another toy yet anyways... but the deals this winter are so tempting!

 

[Dr Honda]

Hi,


Nope... cant get a compression number without it turning over.

From your description... it could be full of water, and the internals are rusted up.

ski wouldn't turn over when i tried to give a final flush after day of riding.

Is it on Craigslist? Got a link? If it's that Millennium ski... he want's too much for a busted ski.