new starter mystery on 717

[Nathan Mayo]

Just had a major overhaul of my '97 speedster.....one motor replaced, one rebuilt......and 2 brand new starters. Battery is fully charged and all has been good for the first 5 hrs or so of break in time. decided to play with idle adjustment screw this PM. Port engine cranked fine for 3 seconds or so and now will do nothing. I get a single click sound from the electrical box behind the seat when I press the start button, but it won't turn over. Other motor cranks in a heartbeat. Thinking that I possibly have a stuck solenoid, I want to apply a gentle hammer tap or two to the offending starter, but I can't find its location on the engine! This is very frustrating. I know exactly what the thing looks like, but can't see it anywhere.

If you think tapping is the answer, have mercy on me and tell me where to hit.

If you think it is something else, please advise and you will have my undying gratitude until something else on the boat from Hell breaks..........thanks, nm

 

[seadooya]

located left front at bottom, of motor, under the pipe. Jump the relay, see if starter then, kicks out, if not, pull the starter. Follow the 2-red cables to ebox, to find relay.

 

[manny787]

Here some pics of mine since I already have the exhaust out on the left engine is easier to see.

 

[Nathan Mayo]

Tapping did not work

Thanks to the 2 saints above, I located where to pound with wooden stick and mallet. About 4-5 times I was able to get the little monster to make some encouraging wimpy turnover sounds, but nothing significant, and now its totally dead.

Is it possible for a brand new starter to croak so quickly? I have emailed my mechanic to come over and have a look. I have a feeling he will not be thrilled.........I really appreciate you getting back to me so quick. You guys are the best !

nm

 

[manny787]

Well if I were you I would not worry about the mechanic being thrilled, how about you being stuck somewhere just because he didn't get the + cable bolt tight enough or didn't check the shaft was properly lubed, or the starter properly seated on the engine, well besides that I check the cables or pull the starter out and get it tested, good luck. Hey but it can happen that a new starter go bad :chillpill:

 

[seadooya]

Yo Nate...those starters wouldn't happen to be, black, that only cost 50-70 buks, would they...:reddevil:

 

[Dr Honda]

Is it possible for a brand new starter to croak so quickly?

If they are black... then yes, they can die that quick. The import starters are known to be crap. (sorry) With SeaDoo's, it's always better to rebuild the factory starter.

 

[phough5757]

Photos

They look pretty Corroded. Also where is the Ground cable?
If You rebuild the old starter, Make sure You seal It very Good.
I like to Ground My motor right at the Starter. I also see a motor mount
bolt loose.