1997 seadoo Bombardier challenger starting issues

[Jake Johnson]

I replaced ignition coil, starter, spark plugs and battery. Doesnt want to run as of right now.. here are the issues. Spark plugs ( one comes out wet and black and the otjer come out black and some gunk on it). Engine cranks fine, spark plugs have a spark. Stater fluid wont even get it to start. Im stuck, please help.

 

[fredm21]

Did you check the compression?

 

[Coastiejoe]

To some degree this is simple. You need SPARK, FUEL and COMPRESSION. But,, it must also be timed right.
You you have spark, assuming the spark is of good quality and the engine is cranking over at a good RPM, then you need to check compression. If the compression is good, then we need to look into the timing aspect..

 

[Jake Johnson]

Engine is good on the RPM, and spark is good as well. Do I have to take it to a shop to get the compression checked? I will check into the compression regardless.

 

[Coastiejoe]

Engine is good on the RPM, and spark is good as well. Do I have to take it to a shop to get the compression checked? I will check into the compression regardless.

Nope, you can do it yourself.. You will need a compression tester. Most auto parts stores sell them, all the discount places like Harbor Freight does as well. You test it with the engine cold, all plugs out, spark plug wires on the grounding clips if you have them, if not, put the plugs back onto the wires and have the base of the plug grounded on the engine, and full throttle. Perfect reading is 150 PSI, acceptable is 135 PSI, 120 or lower means the engine is pretty much done in it's present state.

 

[Jake Johnson]

Done meaning.... I gotta get a new engine?

 

[Coastiejoe]

Done meaning.... I gotta get a new engine?

No, if your compression is at 120 PSI more digging needs to be done to determine what you need to do. You may need only a top end, or maybe there is a hole in a piston, ect, ect.

Don't freak out just yet, do the test and post the results. We will go from there.

 

[Jake Johnson]

Rog, will do. I will be hitting this up this weekend. Thx. When I get my results I will post here.

 

[Jake Johnson]

Okay, actually my landlord had an old compression tester from like 20myears agombut still gave pretty accurate readings. The first spark plug hole near the front of the boat read about 165 psi and the rear ome read about 60. Should I redo the test with updated equipment or can the issue be determined by this reading?

 

[Bonmotwang]

Okay, actually my landlord had an old compression tester from like 20myears agombut still gave pretty accurate readings. The first spark plug hole near the front of the boat read about 165 psi and the rear ome read about 60. Should I redo the test with updated equipment or can the issue be determined by this reading?

So the rear (PTO side) one is low then.
But before you give up, I want to share the numbers I got from my engine after one winter sitting.
It read 90 and 60 PSI. But with all the great help from this forum and my friend, I did some correct actions to the engine: add oil directly into the cylinder, add fuel directly into the carbs, new battery (the previous one was dead at 0V because my son turned on the fish finder) and some other things.
I got the engine started. Then I checked the compression, it is 120/110 now (verified a couple of times after). I think the OIL did the trick.

It is still very low, but it at least is working. boat runs at 25MPH, on the plane, @5000RPM, with 2 adults and 2 kids.
I know I may need to do some work on the engine (hopefully only the top end), but a running boat gives me a lot to learn from whole system point of view and better plan for the rebuilds ...

 

[Jake Johnson]

So oil directly in the bad one where the spark plug screws in? Will that lubricate it and how much oil? The gas directly into the carbs we did but only to try and get it started with a no go.

 

[Bonmotwang]

Yes 20ml oil directly into the spark plug hole


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[Bonmotwang]

Also with gas directly into the carbs, did you hear any sign of "trying" to start or just the cranking sound?
What I did, not sure if contributes to the success was adding a water bottle cap (5ml) of gas directly into the spark plug hole.


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[Jake Johnson]

Oh it definitely wants to try and start even without the oil or gas. I will give that a try tomorrow.

 

[Bonmotwang]

Oh it definitely wants to try and start even without the oil or gas. I will give that a try tomorrow.

I meant did you hear any combustion.


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[Jake Johnson]

Idk what that sounds like but it definitely wants to start. I wish imdidnt have to take it toma shop but it looks like thats what imma have to do

 

[Jake Johnson]

Oil did the trick and got it up to 80 psi now, but still doesn't wanna turn over, definitely sounds alot more promising than it did before. What do I do now, repeat it or something new?