HELP! Seadoo Starter and Starter Bendix

[wreckless]

I had the dealer change the starter a few weeks ago on my 99 XPL 951. Have not rode it yet since. Went out to start yesterday and it cranked over a few times and then the starter just started to free spin. I took it back and they are telling me I need a new starter bendix, and that was not part of the starter change. He said on the 951 bendix is separate from the starter and was not their fault. Does any of this make any sense? He said the starter bendix is $250 and an hour to install!

 

[Coastiejoe]

It is separate. Get a load test on the battery first.


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[wreckless]

Yea battery is good. Thanks for the response.

 

[wreckless]

Holy crap the OEM starter bendix is $250 and an aftermarket is $80. Are the aftermarket ones bad just like the starters?

 

[XP 787]

Cant answer on AM vs. OEM starter bendix but here's the thing, the bendix replacement on a 951 isn't a very easy job and I don't think you want to pay to have that done twice. Also, the teeth on the bendix gears break off and short out the stator so have the mechanic inspect the stator while he's in there.

 

[wreckless]

Thanks, I will.

 

[Seadoodoc]

Correct. Very common failure. Typically they break and destroy stator. Insist on thorough internal cover inspection. One Hr labor is fast and cheap.

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[wreckless]

I got it back Friday and rode it all weekend. The original bendix was missing a few teeth and a few bent over. They did not inspect the stator so I am just hoping all is well. I almost wonder if the bendix was the original problem and they were being nice only charging one hour labor on the bendix. I will never know. It runs so hopefully all is well. Thanks for the replies.

 

[Coastiejoe]

You are correct, you will never know,,,

Lets hope it just does what you need for the next 10 years...

Glad you are up and running..

 

[Seadoodoc]

I just never understood why those Bendix break teeth. Yami and Kawi guys never have issues. Same starter set up. In fact Polaris RZR Im working on has same starter!

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[Coastiejoe]

Something has to give,,,

Normally, the item that is easier to change is designed to fail easier than the item it is touching..

That said, there is a fine line. If you make something physically "Harder" so that it can take more abuse, then it also becomes more brittle..