grinding sound in the back end

[shucky]

Yesterday while out riding, the ski ran fine just slow to turn over and start as usual, I start hearing a grinding sound which sounded the a starter not disengaging this lasted for about 5-10 minutes then quit as I was babying it back to the docks after the noise went away I kept riding the ski or a couple more hours with out hearing it anymore. I'm wondering if anyone has had this issue and if so what did you find to be the problem? Didn't seem to loose any propulsion if that helps any.
its a 08 seadoo 1500 cc 4tec.
cheers

 

[Sportster-2001-951C-Stock]

If you think the starter is not disengaging, it's possible the starter solenoid was sticking on. A flaky starter solenoid that isn't making good contact might explain slow cranking as well.

If there's any question about this, it's probably a good idea to replace the starter solenoid b/c if it is sticking that will tear up your starter, also the bendix gear and the flywheel ring gear.

Aside note: A common hard starting problem for fuel injected engines is due to low fuel pressure, sometimes the fuel pressure regulator is responsible, or the fuel pump itself is getting weak.

 

[shucky]

I just replaced the starter solenoid and relay new at the end of our last summer here, the ski as always been slow cranking rather with the new and old solenoids and relays, what I mean by the slow crank is .. its kinda like starting a car first thing in the morning on a super cold winter day ( hesitates but turns and fires up).
I've just connected the ski to my water hose and it did seem like it was easier starting then rather in the water. I gave it a couple hard revs and it seemed like it wanted to fall on its face as I let the throttle go.
I've done a short vid of this and you can hear some rattling at the jet ... does it sound normal? http://youtu.be/qCkf7UKeuYo

 

[Steven Mace]

I'm not sure but could you have a bearing starting to seize in pump unit? If it's siezing up it would but strain on the engine during start and would make a hell of a noise untill it free up or ware something away. Might be worth checking that out. Not to big of a job pulling it off and spinning it by hand and have a feel.

 

[Sportster-2001-951C-Stock]

I agree, might want to give the jet pump a close inspection for a bad bearing. As far as cranks slow, assuming your battery cables aren't corroded by saltwater and the solenoid and battery are in good condition the next step is to rebuild the starter using a brush and bearing repair kit. A weak starter is a common cause for slow/hard cranking but so are corroded battery cables in saltwater, the salt eats the copper under the insulation and I see that a lot too. Not so much in freshwater but it's common in salt.

The "hesitates then cranks" sounds more like the starter needs a rebuild kit than anything else, unless maybe the cables are obviously corroded..

 

[Steven Mace]

what did you find?

 

[shucky]

sorry for the late delay [MENTION=75163]Steven Mace[/MENTION] I haven't heard the noise again sense but I did just have the jetpump replaced, just have a water intake issue now, nearly sank it over easter weekend. Sportster is helping out with that issue in another thread.