Odd starting issue

[Dman142]

98 GSI.
I have been through this rig several times with no success. When I hit the start button, it will engage the starter, but not turn over—like the bendix is shooting out to the ring gear, and continue to engage/disengage until I let off the button. I can jump the solenoid and turns over just fine.

Attempts to fix: new solenoid, new start button, different DESS post, different key, new mpem-aftermarket, went through all electrical plugs, traced wiring best I could, cleaned battery terminals, fuses, etc.

Furthermore, when I plug in the square plug in the top of the rear electrical box, it jumps the starter motor just for a split second. When I remove the fuse in that same box that powers the mpem (I think), same thing. It’ll engage the starter for a split second, then quit.

History: Unknown to a point. Ski sat for about 18 months along side an identical ski. Other ski took a bit to get going but is now running fine. I was told it ran fine when put to sleep 18 months ago.

YouTube video for reference. Maybe this is common for some mechanics but I’m stumped. I have had to miss something.

 

[Dman142]

I should add it does not make any beeps when the key is placed on the post.

 

[Dman142]

Solved my own issue. Turned out there was one pin in the main wiring harness that was slid back about 1/4” or less. Was not able to make full contact with the mpem. 1.5 months of tinkering with it.

 

[POPPS]

Way to go.."food for future thought."

 

[Dman142]

You are not going to believe this....
I buttoned everything up, put tools away, etc. Ski sat for about an hour. Pulled into my driveway and when we got out of the car, the ski started on its own! Yeah, no shit!
I yanked the tether off and killed the motor but the starter kept running, trying to start the motor, even with the tether off.

Never seen or heard of such a thing! This is all after I found that bad pin. Ghost took over. I can take the positive cable and tap it on the battery and the solenoid clicks every time I do it. Same with the start stop button.

 

[POPPS]

Selenoid is sticking,,,had one once on a 951,,,melted the battery post.

 

[Dman142]

The solenoid is brand spankin’ new. The solenoid clicks when I hit the battery post with the positive, but the starter does not turn over now. Start button(brand new) does the same.

How does it magically fail just sitting there for an hour or more? I do agree it has to do with the solenoid but makes me nervous now letting it sit with everything hooked up.

It was all ready for a test drive and winterization but that all gets put on hold while I solve another problem.
I am beginning to see why people just buy new because these low cost, old rides are just too much to handle for the average guy. Just can’t believe how many things can go wrong.

 

[POPPS]

pull the 2 pin plug to the selenoid,,put your meter to the pins,,,there should be zero volts,,then put key on,,,there should be zero volts ,,,untill you hit start button,,then you should get 12 volts.