Starting problem

[Punk]

I have a 97 SeaDoo XP and I am having trouble with it starting. It starts the first time I try and runs good but if I shut it off it will not start again. It clunks and will not turn over. It has a brand new fully charged battery. I just had the starter completely rebuilt and thought that was the problem but today I found out that was not the problem. Last year I also had problems with it starting and a mechanic looked at it and changed 3 fuses, cleaned contact on ignitition coil and changed the plugs. When I remove the spark plugs the motor turns over fine but when I put the spark plugs back in the motor will not turn over, just clunks. It clunks each time you push the start button. I jumped the solenoid and the starter still clunks and will not turn over motor. The machine is extremely clean and well taken care of.
Any ideas as to where I should look next?

 

[GSXLAD]

You can rule out grounding issues by running a jumper cable from the ground side of battery to any clean, un-painted metal surface on the motor or starter, then try it again!

 

[Punk]

Thank you for the response to my problem but I found that my new battery was defective. I replaced the battery and it works great!

 

[kustomkarl]

Glad you got the problem solved. Just be sure the seadoo is charging the new battery or you'll be in the same position again. Here is some information to check the charging system.When the engine is running, set your voltmeter for 20 VDC and put the leads on the correct terminal posts. With the engine running, you should be reading anywhere from 14.5 to 14.8 VDC. (typically this test is done at 5,000 rpms) This tells you your charging circuit is good. If the voltage is higher, the regulator is bad. If you’re not showing a charge and you've replaced the rectifier, you may want to do a test on the Magneto/stator/charging coil. If you’re not a premium member and you don't have access to a manual, this test will be hard to do without it. There are 2 fuses that protect the charging system. Check the 15 amp fuse in the MPEM and the 15 amp fuse between the solenoid and the MPEM.

The magneto and stator create un-regulated AC current. The "rectifier" converts that AC to DC current and the regulator maintains the current between 14 to 14.5 volts DC for the engines operation and charging circuit.


Karl