Speedster engine trouble! PLEASE HELP!

[keastla]

Hello ALL,
I am new to this forum and new to the Jet Boating world. I boat a 1996 speedster 2 weeks ago and the first weekend was great! Last weekend I was out having a great time and the starboard engine stopped and would not start back up. I had to limp back to a marina on one engine. I have included a youtube link for you guys to hear how it sounds. Maybe someone on here has had a similar issue. Thank you!

http://youtu.be/q5x2sRYgOUk

 

[Dr Honda]

Hummmmmm..........

Sounds like the engine has gone to the great beyond. But... let's get a compression reading, and go from there.

 

[keastla]

Ok just finished checking the compression. The starboard engine came in at 120 and 135 psi. The port side engine came in with two 150 readings. Is the starboard engine gone? By the way I also checked the fuse, plugs, and battery.

 

[Dr Honda]

At 120/135 it should still start out of the water. BUT... it's time for a rebuild.

Originally, I was going to have you check over some stuff... but I think it's best to just do the rebuild, and then clean the carbs, and verify everything as it goes back together.

As far as rebuilding it yourself... that's a hard thing for me to give you my opinion on. These are simple engines... and just about anyone should be able to do it. BUT... since we are dealing with a 16 year old engine... this is not just going to be a top-end. That crank is tired, and may not last much longer. In this case, I would recommend getting an SBT engine. You really can't do the rebuild yourself any cheaper... and they will give you a 1 year, no fault warranty. Even if you can save a few $$$... you won't have a warranty after you are done.


Last thing... since you are new to Seadoo's... let me ask... what kind of oil are you burning?

 

[keastla]

Thanks to everyone that has responded so far. I have an update. I called SBT and got some information about the rebuilt package that they offer. That is probably the route I am going to go because it seems like a really good deal. But I would still like to figure out what is wrong with the starboard side. Everyone I have talked to says it should still start with 120135 compression. I know I need a new engine anyway but I dont want to be disappointed when I hook up the new engine and find it still doesnt start because I never addressed the issue. I worked on it all evening after work and still cant get it started. I cleaned the carbs really good today and still didnt start. I took apart the fuel filter and found it was really dirty. I cleaned it and it still didnt start. Someone mentioned that they thought the plugs werent getting spark so I tested each plug and each has spark. Finally I took the plugs out and removed the grey cover on the back of the motor to see if I could turn it by hand. It was much more difficult to turn than the port side and every quarter turn it made a clank noise. Does this sound like a seized motor? Any other suggestions? If it is definitely something in the motor I will throw the towel in and call SBT in the morning but if you think there is anything else it could be I will wait a couple more days. Thanks again for all your suggestions and help.

 

[Dr Honda]

A seized motor is just that... seized ! (As in, it wont move)

If you have spark, and fuel... and the compression is OK... yes it should start. BUT... there could be other issues since the engine is old. The rotary valve could have very high clearance... or it may not be spinning at all. Or.. you could have a massive case leak from bad crank seals.

If you want a better idea... pull the intake manifold, and the head.

We know the engine is tired... I wouldn't put much effort into it.

 

[keastla]

ok here is a new video I just posted. I pulled the covers off both sides and tried to turn the motors by hand. Before I bother pulling the pump I wanted everyone to hear and see what the bad motor is doing. Let me know if you even think its worth messing with the pump. it sounds internal to me but I am new to the boating world.

http://youtu.be/7zd-VRLCLE0