Seadoo won’t crank

[WAseadoo]

I have a 1996 gti with the 717 engine. I got it last year and was able to get it to run. I ended having to patch a hole in the exhaust pipe . After I did this I began to have starting issues. Basically the engine turns over really easily by hand with the plugs out. With the plugs in it is easy until you hit a spot and the engine has a hard time rotating past that but once you do it is easy then you hit the stuck spot again. The starter will turn it over with the plugs out but with them in it will surge the engine then stop sometimes I can get a few cranks but then it stops and won’t turn over again without spamming the starter button. The starter is freshly rebuilt, and there is nothing coming out of the spark plug holes. I’m thinking it has something to do with my exhaust. Any thoughts?

 

[etemplet]

The fact that the engine is hanging up makes me think it is a connecting rod bearing on the crankshaft.

 

[POPPS]

Engine issues for sure.