Engine wont turn over

[Jeb911]

98 sportster single rotax

I just finished replacing my wear ring and I figured I would crank the boat up. I haven't cranked it since last summer. I charged a battery last night and went out to crank the boat today. All I get is a click. I've checked fuses etc. The solenoid is working because you can hear the starter try to turn the motor. It makes a loud single click. After trying to start the engine for a minute or two, the ground wire gets extremely hot. I pulled the plugs and I could see one of the pistons towards the top of the head. After trying to turn the motor again, I could tell the piston went lower. So, I know the starter is doing some work. I'm wondering if I had some water in the engine that's caused it to seize like this. Any suggestions on what I can do? I've read there are some drain plugs on the bottom of the engine. Would it help to remove them to relieve pressure? I am at a loss here.

When I replaced my wear ring, I put the impeller on pretty tight. It would not move inside the housing with a free hand. I did go back and loosen it just a hair so you could turn the end so the splines would line up.

 

[LouDoo]

The first thing I would do is remove the spark plugs, turn the flywheel at the rear of the motor by hand and see if it turns freely. If it does take the battery to an auto parts store and have it load tested. If the motor does not turn over freely remove the pump, then see if the motor turns over freely. If it does you have a problem in the pump, check your manual and see if you have re-assembled the pump properly, also check if you have clearance between the impeller and the wear ring.

Lou

 

[Chester]

Sometimes the plastic pump will warp slightly when you bolt it to the hull and the new wear ring gets pushed against the impeller. Loosen the 4 pump nuts and start the engine. While it's running, tighten the 4 nuts evenly and the impeller will wear it's way into the wear ring. I always have the water hose spraying into the pump to prevent the wear ring from melting.

Chester

 

[Jeb911]

When I put the impeller back in the pump, how tight should I tighten it? I think that's my problem. I put it in a vice and it is as tight as it can be. You cant even turn it with your hand.

 

[Dr Honda]

You may have pinched the thrust washer when you put it back together. If everything is perfect... it should spin free, by hand.