welcome to the seadoo forum Shea. Robin hit on some good points. I'll add a little information on doing a compression check correctly. I also would check the wire connections from the battery - Ground to the engine near the starter to be sure it is getting a good connection. A bad connection will cause a slow turning starter sometimes as it has a bad connection. Sometimes the starters can be pulled apart and cleaned as well if it is in bad shape. The biggest problem here is if the compression is really low. If it is you need to determine if you want to go to the expense to rebuild the top end before going for a rebuilt starter or even think of tackling cleaning or rebuilding the carburetors. Look at the whole picture, and what you want to spend before you get too deep. It will get expensive real quick. especially if you have to pay to have the repairs done. The seadoo might be free, but are you prepared to spend money on the engine rebuild, starter, Carb rebuild, and maybe the jet pump needs a wear ring or other parts.
Here is the info on the compression check;
You'll need a compression tester. Go to Auto Zone. I think they sell for like $25.00. The compression gage, will screw in the cylinder head in place of the spark plugs. To test compression, remove both spark plugs. Place spark plug caps on the plug cap studs near the cylinder head to ground the empty caps. This completes the circuit of the ignition electrical system and prevents any electrical problems from the caps being un grounded. Using the correct adapter for the threaded end of the tester,( same length of the spark plug threads length)Screw in the tester in one plug hole. Hold the throttle wide open. Push the start button. Watch the compression guage, when it peaks out at the most compression, let go the start button. Read the psi number. I would do it 3 times to be sure it is accurate. Check both cylinders the same way. The ideal compression is 150 psi per cylinder. If it is less, it's not a problem as long as they are close to being the same. If the psi is less than 90 it might need be time for a tear down and a rebuild. If the psi in 1 cylinder is say 140 psi and the other is 80 psi you need to tear down and repair. This difference is a lot and there is a problem. I hope this helps you.
If you decide to do the repairs do you have a seadoo repair shop manual? here's another idea.
If you want you could join as a "premium member". As a premium member you can down load a authentic seadoo manual from the seadoo manual library. In the library is a variety of manuals for almost all years and models. You can view as many as you like on line as a PDF file, or download it and print it for your personal and privet use. There are operator manuals and repair manuals for you to do your own repairs on your seadoo. The repair manuals have everything from troubleshooting, repair procedures to winterizing. It contains wire diagrams torque specs and pictures for disassemble and assemble instructions. In the spec sheets it tells everything needed to maintain oil changes, spark plug gaps, carburetor rebuilds and impeller wear ring tolerances. Click on the "Seadoo Manuals" link at the top of the page for more details. If you need any help or get in a jam, we are always here to answer your questions too. Premium members get priority when it comes to getting quick detailed answers.
Good luck with it and keep us posted.
Karl
