'98 Speedster Hard To Start..

[montyburns]

Hi guys..

Have a '98 Speedster ( twin 787's ). The drivers side is very hard to start. Once started ( 30 - 50 attempts ) it purr's like a kitten... Until I stall it, then another 20-30 attempts to re-start.

It seems like its the starter motor is not been held on long enough before the starter spins down, not giving the engine a chance to fire into life.. It appears its just not cranking long enough.

When it does start, there is no warning it's about to, attempt no. 66... IT JUST STARTS. Will run all day until i stall it.

Problems exists hot or cold.

Any help, will save what little hair i have left.

Thanks in advance..

Monty..

 

[BMANN06]

Could be a couple of things.

1. Check the bellows (in the exhaust rave valve caps)
I used to have this boat and had the same symptom you are describing I had failed rubber bellows in my rave valves. Check through my old posts and you'll find it.

2. Have your carbs ever been rebuilt? If so, when?

 

[Dr Honda]

What he said...


But, if the starter sounds like it's disengaging... then pull the starter, and check the gear... check to make sure the Bendix moves in and out... and make sure that the Bendix is still OK. It's basically a one way bearing... and they do fail.

 

[montyburns]

What he said...


But, if the starter sounds like it's disengaging... then pull the starter, and check the gear... check to make sure the Bendix moves in and out... and make sure that the Bendix is still OK. It's basically a one way bearing... and they do fail.

Thanks Dr Honda...

Someone else said its the bendix... Now that i know what a bendix is... the problem seems to fit this. Now i just have to figure how to remove the starter.. Thanks Seadoo for such a convienient location. ( 6" hole saw in bottom of boat looks like it might work - LOL )

Monty...

 

[m.colley]

Thanks Dr Honda...

Someone else said its the bendix... Now that i know what a bendix is... the problem seems to fit this. Now i just have to figure how to remove the starter.. Thanks Seadoo for such a convienient location. ( 6" hole saw in bottom of boat looks like it might work - LOL )

Monty...

If your speedster is anything like my Sportster 1800 (starter on left side of engine, pretty much centered between the motor mounts), I found it easiest to pull the exhaust manifold and exhaust pipe to get to the starter. After that it was a pretty simple fix, especially if you have a 12-18" extension for for ratchet wrench or enough short ones to get to the mounting bolts..

Martin

 

[montyburns]

If your speedster is anything like my Sportster 1800 (starter on left side of engine, pretty much centered between the motor mounts), I found it easiest to pull the exhaust manifold and exhaust pipe to get to the starter. After that it was a pretty simple fix, especially if you have a 12-18" extension for for ratchet wrench or enough short ones to get to the mounting bolts..

Martin

Naa.. not that easy, mine is on the RHS of engine under the carby's. Taking the air box off makes it a little easier ( have my elbows and wrist's double jointed.. even better )

Thanks

 

[100guard]

...
Have a '98 Speedster ( twin 787's ). The drivers side is very hard to start. Once started ( 30 - 50 attempts ) it purr's like a kitten... Until I stall it, then another 20-30 attempts to re-start.....

Just standing alongside sharing your gripes.

First when I bought it off the previous owner, It would start immediately., then progressively it got a bit more and more. I think last season it was the worst at about 12'ish., mayyyybe 15-20 at worst. I am impressed you didn't just burn it at 66 attempts...Oi veyyyyyy.

I have no clue about all these tmers and mechanical things that need to be done at your home (to save $$), and only pray I get lucky and barter a mechanic when the time comes.,....either to flip this and upgrade...or simply salvage and prolong as best I can.

Here's to finding my parts soon & getting on the water!

Best of luck fellow Speedster owner!