Okay we went out on our 1800 Challenger the other day and both engines were running fine. Then we stopped to pick someone up at a dock and the starboard engine wouldn't start, it just clicked when you hit the start/stop button. I have looked at all fueses including 5amp non of them were burnt. Any clues?
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Won't start
- Thread starter Lori1
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try this
I had the same problem. When you try to start the motor is there a click sound coming from the Epem? If so, the solenoid is probebly ok. I started first by looking for a loose ground wire. When I saw everything was nice and tight, i swapped the starter from one engine to the other. I found out very quickly that the problem was the starter. I bought a new one from http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330349972750&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT. I thought that $70 was a great deal for a starter shipped to my door. Be sure not to discard the back bracket on the starter, b/c the new won't come with one. I hope this helps.
I had the same problem. When you try to start the motor is there a click sound coming from the Epem? If so, the solenoid is probebly ok. I started first by looking for a loose ground wire. When I saw everything was nice and tight, i swapped the starter from one engine to the other. I found out very quickly that the problem was the starter. I bought a new one from http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330349972750&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT. I thought that $70 was a great deal for a starter shipped to my door. Be sure not to discard the back bracket on the starter, b/c the new won't come with one. I hope this helps.
I haven't repaired yet because I have another boat that I use but I did purchase the service manual off of ebay and it pointed towards the seloniod or starter. You can bypass your seloniod by putting a screwdriver on it and pushing the start button, if it doesn't turn over then it probably isn't your seloniod. The only problem is that the starter is on the bottom and it looks very difficult to remove. One day I will get to it....lol Good luck!
The "clicking" indicates a low power connection.
Check the battery connection wires first. They need to be clean and getting a good connection. Also check the Ground- wire going to the engine near the starter. It too needs to be clean and getting a good connection. If the wires look a bit corroded it could be the wires are corroded inside the connector and need a new connector installed. Cut the end off and install a new one. Also the battery should be fairly new and fully charged. If in doubt, have it LOAD tested at like Auto Zone to be sure it doesn't have a bad cell or 2. The battery might show 12 volts but not have the amps to turn the engine over. If all this checks out lastly check the charging system. Using a multi meter check the voltage on the battery when it isn't running. It should show about 12.4 Volts+-. when the engine is running it should show 14.4Volts+-. If the voltage doesn't change running or not, then the regulator/ rectifier is bad.
Karl
Check the battery connection wires first. They need to be clean and getting a good connection. Also check the Ground- wire going to the engine near the starter. It too needs to be clean and getting a good connection. If the wires look a bit corroded it could be the wires are corroded inside the connector and need a new connector installed. Cut the end off and install a new one. Also the battery should be fairly new and fully charged. If in doubt, have it LOAD tested at like Auto Zone to be sure it doesn't have a bad cell or 2. The battery might show 12 volts but not have the amps to turn the engine over. If all this checks out lastly check the charging system. Using a multi meter check the voltage on the battery when it isn't running. It should show about 12.4 Volts+-. when the engine is running it should show 14.4Volts+-. If the voltage doesn't change running or not, then the regulator/ rectifier is bad.
Karl
Easy things first
:agree: with Karl. Those are the easy things that you can check. Beleive it or not the start is very easy to pull out. Before you attempt, be sure to disconnect the battery. Pull the big black silencer lid then flame arrestor( black bottom). First, you will need to disconnect the positive(RED) off the back of the started, then the fat black one. From there, 3 screws and its out. First loosen the back bolt(12mm or 13mm can't remember), dont back it out all the way. Then the last two bolts are on the flywheel cover near the MAG. The easy one, on top, and (the pain in the assests) on the bottom. You will need a 6mm hex key, rachets would be easiest. depending on how much room, you might need a stubby rachet, or a wiggle-wobble to get it. after that the rest is fishing it out of the depths!!!
:agree: with Karl. Those are the easy things that you can check. Beleive it or not the start is very easy to pull out. Before you attempt, be sure to disconnect the battery. Pull the big black silencer lid then flame arrestor( black bottom). First, you will need to disconnect the positive(RED) off the back of the started, then the fat black one. From there, 3 screws and its out. First loosen the back bolt(12mm or 13mm can't remember), dont back it out all the way. Then the last two bolts are on the flywheel cover near the MAG. The easy one, on top, and (the pain in the assests) on the bottom. You will need a 6mm hex key, rachets would be easiest. depending on how much room, you might need a stubby rachet, or a wiggle-wobble to get it. after that the rest is fishing it out of the depths!!!
Let us know if you get in a bind...we're here for ya...
Karl
Karl
Typically If you starter is bad there isn't any way to "Jump" the starter unless there is something else electrical that is bad like a solenoid, or a wire or even a switch If you can jump the starter and it works, look to another component as suggested, You shouldn't tow a seadoo over 15 mph with the engine not running as it will water flood the engine as water will force itself into the exhaust manifold. If the engine does stall just be aware of running it with one engine over 15 mph.
Karl
Karl
I am having the same problem but have found that if i pull off the key and turn the battery on and off then it will start again. kinda weird. it is kinda weak turning over, but eventually fires up. it doesnt do it everytime and most times will start right up. I am leaning toward either corrosion or the starter, but may also be the charging system. i had this issue b4 and was able to get it going by jumping it from my truck. kinda glitchy. guess i just need to get in there and see what i can see. thanks to everyone that posted replies on here, helps me know where to start.
twin787's
New Member
Well, I took my boat into the shop this past weekend. I just do not have the time to swap the starter out myself. I got my new starter of ebay, and the seadoo shop said they would put it in. AWESOME!!! I will pick his (mechanic) his brain to see if corrosion or the charging system had something to do with it, and let you know what he say.
I've kept a spare battery on board, ever since my first dead battery with this boat. The spair fits nicely in the passenger side compartment, though i wish i had a dual battery mount in the engine compartment so i could listen to the radio without killing the battery.
good luck torkebj, as you know, everyone on here is very helpfull and full of great information. this forum is awesome!!
I've kept a spare battery on board, ever since my first dead battery with this boat. The spair fits nicely in the passenger side compartment, though i wish i had a dual battery mount in the engine compartment so i could listen to the radio without killing the battery.
good luck torkebj, as you know, everyone on here is very helpfull and full of great information. this forum is awesome!!
thx...ya i have a second battery as well but havent really had to use it...i am going to get down in there this weekend and see if i can see corrosion or whatever....let me know what you see...but i think it may be the ground or the charging system....but who knows...not sure about the starter as most times it fires up...very frustrating as you know...
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