97 challenger 1800 starboard no start

[franktx]

I recently purchased a 1997 challenger 1800 port engine runs , starboard does not run .
Compression 150 both cyl.
Both sets carbs have been rebuilt.
2 beeps on dess
I check for spark i do see spark although it looks weak and random.
I put a regular timing light on port engine fired it up light flashes .
I put timing light on starboard and tried to start it flashes but it looks as if its intermittent flash.
Pulled starboard stator did ohm test on trigger coil and stator checked good.
Not knowing for sure if stator is good, i took all electrical from port and swapped to starboard engine , swapped power from solenoid ,swapped stator plugs , and plug wires . And starboard fired up .


So this tells me that everything on the engine itself is good and one of the components on the boat is what is failing . Coil, regulator , on/off button ? ,MPEM ?
Any ideas on where to go from this point ?

Thanks
Frank

 

[Dr Honda]

Did you try giving the engine a shot of starter fluid, or pour a little fuel directly into the carbs??

Also... sometimes the spark wires will corrode where they meet the spark boot. The Seadoo spark isn't super bright... but it shouldn't be random. I would suggest to remove the spark plug boot (it un threads) and cut the wire back about 1/4". Make sure you are into clean wire... and put the boot back on, and check it again.

 

[franktx]

Dr. Honda ,
I was using starting fluid .
I pulled boots and cut wires screwed them back on.
I tried the timing light test again on the starboard engine the PTO wire has steady flash while cranking . The Mag wire is intermittent flash .

 

[Dr Honda]

OK. If it's truly random... the the MAG cover needs to come off. The pick-up coil can break from it's mount. That needs checked.

For a quick test... You can also put a meter on the pick-up coil wires, (disconnected from the system) and crank. You should see a clean pulse. (voltage)

If you get a good, steady pulse... then the CDI could have gone bad.

 

[franktx]

Yesterday I pulled MAG , visually inspected and did a static ohm test. Checked good .
Then I put the starboard power wire on the port solenoid
, I put the port MAG cover plug on the starboard and
put the port plug wires on the starboard
and the starboard engine fired.
that would indicate the stator and trigger coil on the starboard is good ?
This morning after I cut wires back and tried I then swapped coils . Same results . Can I check CDI ? Is the CDI is in the MPEM ?

 

[franktx]

From what I'm reading the CDI is built in the mpem.

 

[Dr Honda]

From what I'm reading the CDI is built in the mpem.

Well..... Dang.

Yes... the 97 Challenger had internal CDI's.

Let me read your post again. Need more coffee to follow it. (lol)

 

[Dr Honda]

OK... I had to read it a couple times... but... from what I read... you moved the power, and ignition to the bad side, and started it.


If that's the case... then yes. The Pickup and stator in the MAG is good.


With that said... you can till have an issue in the black box with the ignition coils. Open it up, and look for a bad ground (a common issue in the 800 engine PWC) and make sure there isn't any corrosion. If water gets in... it can't drain out.

Since the MPEM is so expensive... you may want to swap some of the black box parts to see if they are OK.

 

[franktx]

OK... I had to read it a couple times... but... from what I read... you moved the power, and ignition to the bad side, and started it.


If that's the case... then yes. The Pickup and stator in the MAG is good.


With that said... you can till have an issue in the black box with the ignition coils. Open it up, and look for a bad ground (a common issue in the 800 engine PWC) and make sure there isn't any corrosion. If water gets in... it can't drain out.

Since the MPEM is so expensive... you may want to swap some of the black box parts to see if they are OK.

Dr. Honda, first I want to Thank you for your replies and everything you do for us on these forums.

just for my clarification
The black box you are talking about is it the black (CDI)box inside the big gray box has 2 coils under it and 2 rectifiers beside it ?
that is the actual MPEM right?

I havent taken it off yet but it looks to be sealed. is there a method to getting inside it and sealing it back up or just leave it unsealed after inspection?

 

[Dr Honda]

I'm not doing very good today. That's strike 2 for me. So no... not the MPEM.

Normally... on the 800 engine, there is an external "Black Box" with the ignition coils, and a few other odds-N-ends. I just did work on a 98 challenger 1800... and I forgot that the 97 1800 was the oddball. (the 98 has the external boxes) You can see it below next to the big vent hose. That external box was also on the 800 PWC since 96... and even on the smaller challenger.


Well.... since you don't have them... all you can do is to try to move the power on the actual ignition coils, and hope the problem follows that coil. If it doesn't... it could be a bad MPEM. But... since the MPEM is so expensive... I would still try to look for a corroded wire, or a loose connection in a plug. (pull all the plugs on the MPEM, and make sure none look burnt)

 

[franktx]

I am checking on having a MPEM conversion done . These OEM used MPEM are nowhere to be found.