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Speedster starts on trailer not in water.....

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harper

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Both engines start very easily on trailer. Once in water starboard engine cranks but does not start...
A little bit of trouble shooting.....I took the boat out with port engine only.. got on plane then pushed starboard starter......It started no problem...... Once engine is started it runs fantastic... Could there be too much water drag on impeller ??? or maybe starter is drawing too many amps and not enough power left for coil ??
 
Never run your boat like that. You will fill the nonrunning engine with water!!!... Only low speed while on one engine.
You didn't post year or engine size.
First thing is to do a compression check and post your readings back on hear. It's probably carbs but you must start with compression check.
 
The compression is 147 and 150...1998 speedster with 787's....I had the intake cover off while trying to start.. Hit it with ether..Still no bang.... Only time it starts is on the trailer....
 
There's no load on the engine while trailered, just won't start or bogs/ low power in water. Sounds like the carbs need gone thru.
 
I was kind of thinking that way but.... once engine is started it pulls great. tops out around 7000 rpm and about 47 mph..No hesitation when you come out of the hole..
 
Yup gas is new... and new plugs...Other engine starts in 3-5 sec. I was thinking of swapping power packs side to side and see if the problem follows me. ?
 
For peace of mind you could. I would pull the plugs and see if they're wet or not, then spin engine over to clear it out.
 
Nice looking Speedster.....Phildoo....eventually mine may look close to that..... Does anybody know the recommended battery size for the 98 speedster twin 787's... ie cold cranking amps ect.?/////////NEVER mind just located battery spec's..//////////
 
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Wow. I was going to post the exact same problem with my 2001 sporster le. Wont start in water actually ran the battery down starting it. The battery has 600 cca. I jumped it and fired right up. Before i jumped it i pulled it out of the ramp and tried starting it and it fired right up. Backed it down on the water and nothing, thats when i jumped it.
 
Strange isn't it.... I think I am leaning towards electrical more than carbs. I am guessing but the only difference is the drag of the water on the impeller. My speedster cranks over great just no firing, dose not even fart....Maybe my starter is drawing too many amps and there is not enough left for the coil ????
I am headin up to my speedster on friday and will try to trouble shoot more. Hopefully I will find a easy fix and get back too you..
 
Dealer told me it takes a group 24 battery i crossed checked that with napa and they said a group24 has 625 cca and 800 cranking amps.
 
Thanks I will check my bat first.. Strange it cranks fine,, It seems to be no or little spark...
Well for me the only problem battery wise is the battery dying while unloading.. When nothing turned over. But, I think it is the carbs, just clean those out first to make sure no gunk is in it. Probably should do that anyways for a cleaner running engine.
 
I had a compression test done a month ago and got 125 on both holes. The sea doo dealership told me that it was fine and anything under 100 was bad.

Thanks for the find fat caf
 
125 is not good at all. You wil damage it further if you continue to run it. Whoever told you it was good til 100 needs a slap upside the head.
 
:agree: That was from a sea doo dealer?

Yep, Coleman powersports in Virginia. I searched this topic and someone esle said the same thing. My first trip out with it we had problems getting it started then it was able to start and stay running all day. The past weekend was our second trip out with it and we had the same problem. Like I said before I jumped it and it stayed running. That night, (Fri) I tied it up in the water and saturday moring it started right up. We are talking 18 hours later. You would think It would of had the same problems after sitting that long in the water overnight with mid to hight 50 degrees. (or maybe the engine did stay warm enough to allow it to crank over easier)
 
Talked to a different sea doo dealer today. They said at 125psi the boat should run fine and have no problems turning over in the water. They said starter motor probably the issue
 
Have you ever had the battery load tested. It almost sounds like a bad battery. Compression of 125 may run, but its gonna need a new top end sometime soon. I wouldnt run it long like that.
 
hello all.. i was wondering if you guys can help me figure out the problem I have with my 97 speedster.


If the boat is on the trailer I dont have a problem with the left engine it starts perfect, but when I put it in the water and I try to start the engine it has problems.. I need to accelerate the engine so it can start. When the engine is running i havent had any problem.

Did you have the same problem with your boat? can you explain a little bit what was wrong with your boat and how you fix it?

Thank you in advance.
 
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