Hello all, new member here with a 2003 XP DI (trouble with starting)

[BucknChapa]

Hello all,

My name is Bryan and I live in Connecticut. Recently I purchased a used Seadoo XP DI 2003 and it has been running great. I have used it three times and while out on a fresh lake two weeks ago had trouble re-starting the machine after I fell off. It sounded like the starter was trying to turn the engine over but it was not firing up. Greatly bummed as my day was finished, I had my friend tow me across the lake back to load the machine up on the trailer. I was figuring it was a dead battery (my mechanical knowledge is limited). After taking the battery to two different local places, they told me it was fine (the person I got the machine from did say it was a new battery, he also mentioned that he had replaced the cylinoid). I figured I would put it back in the machine and change the plugs to see if this would help. Something I read mentioned to try starting with the plugs out to see if it turns over, in fact it does, when I press the start button with no plugs it does turn over. Anyways, I put the new plugs in and tried to start it again, this time it made more progress trying to start, but still did not fire up. To my understanding this sounds like I could have a bad starter??? Or could it be loaded up from me trying to start it a few times??? I am more than willing to attempt to replace the starter as it is roughly $50 from what I have found and I really do not want to get into paying someone to fix it. Any help would be most appreciated, not sure if this is the proper place to post my question. Looking forward to hearing what anyone might have to offer for advise. It has been a blast to be out on the water, would love to get back out there without forking over my arm and leg.

Best Regards,
Bryan

 

[Coastiejoe]

It does sound like a starter issue to me.

That said, do NOT buy an aftermarket starter, they simply do not hold up. If yours is an OEM starter, pull it, open it up and install a brush kit in it.

If you need an OEM starter, [MENTION=41828]Minnetonka4me[/MENTION] normally has them for sale..

 

[Minnetonka4me]

Yes I do...let me know if I can help.

 

[BucknChapa]

Thanks for the info! Being moderately mechanically inclined, how difficult is it to get at the starter and remove it? Any suggestions welcomed. Is there a large difference in price vs. Replacing the whole unit or rebuilding the starter. Thanks again.

Bryan

 

[Coastiejoe]

MAJOR price difference from replacement cost as compared to rebuilding. However, if you don't have an OEM don't waste money on rebuilding what you have.


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[XP 787]

I got an SBT starter and had an issue with it, but they replaced it and I haven't had a problem since. (knock on wood) Rebuild the one you have its cheaper and there is plenty of info on how to do it.

P.S. I was having the same symptoms as you and when I swapped the starter out it turned over no problem.

 

[BucknChapa]

I have been looking around and have not found any good info for removing the starter. Did you have to take parts out for easier access? I was thinking if I could just remove the starter it would be the easiest method. Of course nothing is ever easy hah. Planning on ordering the rebuild kit and taking the starter off while it ships. Thanks for the insight, I will keep looking.