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Starter Problem 2007 Challenger Se

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Hello everyone,

Last weekend, I ran into some shallow water off Bradenton Coast. Later on, the engine warned of the elevated temperature. So, I turned off the engine. Since then, I could not get the engine to turn. I have checked the wires, fuses, and replaced the battery.

Do you know where the solenoid and the neutral switch relay that I may remove to test. There are light clicks, but the engine would not turn. I have no doubts that there are debris in the propulsion compartment, but I really need to flush the engine with fresh water before a good mechanic can be located for this Sea-doo.

Thank-you so much for any help that you can give me. I have the manual, but I still can't find the solenoid.

Have a nice and safe weekend!

Thang
 
Follow the HOT wire from the battery and it will run you right to the solenoid. Or, follow the HOT wire from the starter backwards and it will run you to the other side of the solenoid..

If you have something substantial stuck in the impeller, this would prevent it from being able to turn over..


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Thank-you for the prompt reply!!! :) I cleared the impeller of all seaweeds and vegetation and will get to the solenoid as soon as I get home. Take care.

Thang
 
Okay. I located the solenoid, hot wire it to by-pass the neutral switch relay. I can hear the solenoid turning, but the engine does not turn, and stops at a click, probably due to obstructions. I can't locate a mechanic in Bradenton for repair.

How should I proceed from here? I tried to locate a Sea-doo mechanic in the Bradenton, FL but so far can not find one. :(
 
There has to be something obstructing the impeller/shaft. The motor overheating would be caused by the obstruction making it work harder to turn the shaft. I would start at the pump, remove it and have a look at the impeller. See if it is obstructed then work backwards, checking the shaft to see if anything is wrapped around it before moving into the engine compartment.
 
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Thank you for your inputs. I have only been able to remove 3 of the nuts under the boat. As for the rest, the nuts would turn but would not come out. Am I doing something wrong trying to get to the pump and the impeller shaft. I can see it from the outside and it is largely free of debris from the font and back of the impeller. But, I think you are right, something may be wrapped in the shaft. Is there a good way to get to it, any special instrument that I need to obtain?
 
Thank you for your inputs. I have only been able to remove 3 of the nuts under the boat. As for the rest, the nuts would turn but would not come out. Am I doing something wrong trying to get to the pump and the impeller shaft. I can see it from the outside and it is largely free of debris from the font and back of the impeller. But, I think you are right, something may be wrapped in the shaft. Is there a good way to get to it, any special instrument that I need to obtain?

you need to remove the jet pump (back of the boat). I think you are trying to remove the intake grate, not necessary. search the forum or read the manual how to remove pump/impeller.
 
Removing the pump does not remove the water inlet but the problem is that you need to run the motor before turning on the water. With the pump removed, the shaft will no longer be supported and kept in line with everything. I would foresee serious damage caused to bearings, couplings and splines by the shaft being able to move because it is no longer supported by the pump.

Short answer, there would be no way I would try.

The only way of doing this would be to remove the shaft as well, allowing the motor to run without putting any pressure down the shaft through it spinning.
 
You said you were in Bradenton, FL that's on the south side of the Skyway bridge, right? It doesn't sound like you know very much about Seadoo's or are mechanically inclined. You could possibly do more harm then good to your boat trying to fix it. My suggestion would be to call my mechanic and owner of Jet Trendz, Brett, in New Port Richey, FL. He is on the north side of the Skyway Bridge and maybe 40/45 miles north of you. Brett will evaluate your problem and give you a free estimate for the repair. That is, I think, your only option. His number is 1-727-844-5361 Tell Brett that Russ recommended you to him. He does great work and for a reasonable price. Good luck and hope you follow my advice.
 
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Oops. I did not get your number soon enough, otherwise, I would have called. I have been looking for a good mechanic for the Sea-doo in Bradenton, but have not found one until you posted.

Now, back to the problem, I did manage to remove the nozzle and the impeller. The operation is much easier to do than replacing the steering cable and or installing the sonar... At any rate, I probably would not turn on the engine until all the parts are secured, but I did get out lots of debris and sand (which was everywhere). Before trying to remove the impeller shaft, does anyone know if a special tool is needed for accomplishing this task? Thanks in advance for your help.
 
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Yes a special tool is required to pull out the shaft. This is the same operation as replacing the carbon ring. I suggest that you buy a manual for your year boat. The folks who run this forum has an option as a premium member. Or you can search the net online and find places that sell the manuals.
 
I already have the boat repair manual. But I still find suggestions from members very valuable. Some ideas that I have read are simply smart. I always ask questions to draw from those who have the experience as I do enjoy fixing things. I have always fixed little tasks on my Highlander and Sentra and now the Sea-doo. I value knowledge more than money. And I would like to acquire experience☺️.
 
I'm still a bit confused..

You say you "hear the solenoid turning..." Solenoids don't turn, they open and close and can cause a CLICK noise. Are you hearing something turn? Or are you hearing a click?
 
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Both. You are right, the solenoid does not seem to be making any noise. Initially, when I brought the boat home, I could hear the starter trying to turn. Now, I just hear a beep, hiss, and a click when I hot wire the solenoid. No other error message is detected on the electronic dash board.

I am proceeding with caution as I am still working with the assumption that the impeller or the impeller shaft has an obstruction. Taking the impeller off to separate it from its housing is a problem as the Allen wrench needs a lot of torque; taking the impeller off the boat is not difficult. Still I need to clear the shaft and to ensure that the impeller is not damaged. The shaft has a metal sheath around it...

The boat was working fine when I stranded in shallow water; it only has 60 hours of usage. New battery, new steering cables, new GPS (Dragonfly 7).
 
Pull the spark plugs and see if you can turn the engine over by hand.


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So, here's the update of my progress. I decided to attack the problem from both ends since it appears that the bolts securing the propulsion has never been tampered with... impellers look good, wear ring a little worn... The assumption is that corrosion may interfere with some parts for a 8 year old boat used in salt water. I took the liberty to re-supply the cone with new lubricants, replace the wear ring and completely cleared the shaft of any obstructions. New bolts are secured with anti-seize lubricants.

Back to the starter problem: removing the spark plugs... what is the best way to seal the chambers? I believe that this is a very good suggestion since it does not involve the impeller shaft turning and gives us a diagnostic tool to isolate yet another segment of this starter issue. Thank-you in advance for your suggestions; they are brilliant!
 
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have you checked the engine oil for water contamination? (hydro locked)
pull plugs look for damage
check starter button
read your manual for testing starter motor and electrical wiring.
 
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