spark AFTER you release the start button

[Dwayne Gonzalez]

I have a 97 seadoo 800 engine. It does not start.

When you push the start button it turns o er and no spark.

Once you release the start button it gives off a spark....

What could be going on?

 

[Sportster-2001-951C-Stock]

Nice job troubleshooting! I'm thinking the voltage is too low during cranking unless perhaps there's some kind of wiring error that was made recently (not likely).

If you run in salt water could be something as simple as a corroded battery cable. Also potential causes for low voltage are a weak battery or starter motor that's worn out.

edit: BTW, be careful jump starting these skis, the engine computer is voltage sensitive and jump starting them can cause damage. The best way is to not connect any external voltage source, just make sure the battery is in good condition and remember charging them with a dirty charger while battery is connected to ski can damage that engine computer.

 

[68ragtop]

What model doo is this?

 

[CReynoldsMIZ]

I bet it's the battery or the cables.

 

[Mickirig1]

Clean and protect all your ground wires connections with Dlelectric grease. Pull apart junction plugs in wire harness and look for crude and corrosion. Put some dielectric grease in them too. Check your battery volts and connections. Bad connections can cause big voltage drops. Try to measure your battery voltage while starter is engaged. Report voltage back to us.

 

[Coastiejoe]

In the automotive world, a bad ignition switch causes this. Has to do with not making a proper contact while the switch is turned but hitting the contact on the way back to the resting or off position. I have also seen a coil do the same thing. As we don't have an ignition switch per say, I'd look at the coil for a poor connection at least.

 

[Dwayne Gonzalez]

The engine is a 97 720 i believe. it says Bombadier Rotax on the top and it has two carbs.

I will be picking it back up from my friend who tried to help me. The Starter was bad so he had it rebuilt for me (its not a new starter) but he got it to turn over now and just not sparking when suppose to.

I will be checking and cleaning all wires and connections as it seas a lot of salt water....

where can i get a wiring diagram to make sure the wires are all connected properly?

 

[Dwayne Gonzalez]

it actually only starts while jumping the coil

 

[Sportster-2001-951C-Stock]

it actually only starts while jumping the coil

What does this mean, "jumping the coil" ? not comprehending what's being done to jump the coil. Maybe you mean "jump the solenoid", in which case it's probably b/c the solenoid is corroded or worn out internally.

 

[Dwayne Gonzalez]

What does this mean, "jumping the coil" ? not comprehending what's being done to jump the coil. Maybe you mean "jump the solenoid", in which case it's probably b/c the solenoid is corroded or worn out internally.

yes the solenoid, put a screwdriver across both points and it starts turning the engine

 

[Sportster-2001-951C-Stock]

Yes, you shouldn't need to jump the solenoid normally, I guess you know it's an inconvenient way for starting but is necessary sometimes if there's a problem.

So what happens if you try to start by using the start button as intended, does the solenoid make a click sound but the starter doesn't receive any electrical juice? If yes, probably the internal contacts are corroded.

I replace many solenoids for customers with this problem and I save the old solenoid if they don't want it so I can repair other boats for someone who might not have money for a new solenoid.

To repair the solenoid I disassemble the terminals from inside and clean the internal contacts using a wire wheel then reassemble. You have to be careful doing this though if you decide or else it's easy to break the two thin wires inside for the magnetic coil, sometimes it's not possible to repair them but often it is depending on how the solenoid was made.