97 SPX No Spark and Spinning Starter.

[Tommy Pantsdown]

So I just became the "Hopefully Proud" owner of two skis. Bought a 97 SPX and a 97 GP1200 for $3500 w/trailer.

They seem legit but have a few issues.

The SPX isn't turning over and has no spark, so I couldn't check compression. The seller claimed it's the security key and it does this every now and again. With no key on it, it does nothing. With the key in it, the starter spins but doesn't sound like the soleniod is pushes the starter out. It just goes "ziiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiig" (For lack of a better description lol). When I we were trying to start it I had the compression tester on and noticed the plug wasn't sparking as well.

Does the security feature have anything to do with this or do I have two different problems? Can anyone tell me where to start? I'm picking up a service manual tomorrow from a friend and it's dark out so I'm sitting here twiddling my thumbs and reading past posts.

I'm very mechanicaly enclined so I bought them without much fear even though I know nothing about skis. Just bikes and cars but figured they can't be too far off. I figured worst case the GP1200 and trailer are worth $3500. The guy claimed he had them out 3 weeks ago and is hurting for cash in the worst way.

Can't wait to dig in tomorrow.

 

[kustomkarl]

On the spx you should hear 2 beeps indicating the DESS (Digital is Electronic Security System)communicating to the MPEM. Try cleaning the dess post e=with soap and water. If the starter just spins and not connecting it might need to be removed and cleaned so the Bendix is allowed to connect to the flywheel. If the starter appears ok, it must be the mating gears of the starter and the flywheel.

Keep us posted...

Karl

 

[Tommy Pantsdown]

So I think I must have two problems going.

With the key off the VTS works. That was a bonus to find!

With the key on the post I get no beeps but the starter spins. I tested the wire lead from the computer to the beep speaker and with the key on the post I see 1.2vdc for as long as the key is on. No pulses that would indicate a beep. It makes a slight crackle beep for a hair of a second but nothing audible. That was with it up to my ear.

I rotated the drive shaft and it spins. Not freely but seems like the normal amount of resistance for a two cylinder engine.

I still have no spark when I set the plugs on the head.

The "computer box" is very, very clean. I opened it up and it looks like it's never seen a drop of water. Which is nice to know. The two fuses were good.


All in all I think I have two problems. Unless the DESS somehow controls the starter from pushing out but I'm assuming the starter uses centrifical force to push the gear out.

 

[kustomkarl]

It could be that the beeper is just bad, but if it gets power than it is just a matter of replacing a bad beeper. If the starter doesn't engage than it must be in the Bendix as I stated before.

Karl

 

[robin savell lloyd]

Is the battery good and fully charged? How are you checking for spark if you can not get the starter to spin the engine over?

 

[Tommy Pantsdown]

Is the battery good and fully charged? How are you checking for spark if you can not get the starter to spin the engine over?

Yeah, i'm a complete idiot. lol

I don't even know how I over looked that fact, I thought about it when I went back outside.

 

[Tommy Pantsdown]

Wow, I have some pretty fat hands.

I removed the two allen head bolts that hold the start on after some fuss and the starter is still firmly attatched. It got dark out so I called it quits. Tomorrow I'm going to try tapping it with a hammer and long screw driver. Maybe it's just fused to the engine housing.

Anyone have any tips for this thing? I'm hoping once it's free I can pull it toward the back and pull it out from there. Damn day light. lol Too many other toys in the garage!

Btw, I plugged the key in today and it now beeps twice. Wierd. Maybe my wiring fix helped or something dried out.

 

[Tommy Pantsdown]

Got it running. Looks like it was the Bendix gear. It was stuck in. I resurfaced the shaft, cleaned up the whole assembly and seems to be working great.