Was running 3 days ago, didnt do anything to it... now wont start!

[Thraex]

Hey guys,
I bought this Sea-doo Challenger 2001 Merc EFI, when i went over and look at the boat, the guy ran it for 30 sec and everything seemed fine, now that i towed it back to my place i ran it again (cause i was planning on going in water tomorrow) and all i can hear is the starter going. (tried a few times holding the start switch for about 8-10 sec)

Here is what the guy told me to do in order to start it:
turn Battery kill switch on
turn key switch to on, flip the switch for the fan for a little while (like 30sec to 1min) until i can smell fuel fumes.
Put throtle to neutral
then start engine.

I Did all that and it wont start. but i think i might miss a switch or something because the guy replaced a bunch of parts in the engine and he said the engine is running A1.

Hopefully I missed something cuz i just want to go in the water and try it!!

thanks for the help!
Dave

 

[Dr Honda]

Is the engine turning over?? or is the starter just spinning??


If the starter is spinning, and the engine is not: The battery could be low, If you left the battery switch on. Give it a charge.

If the engine is cranking over, but not firing: Did you put the lanyard on the post? If it's not on... you won't get spark.

 

[Thraex]

Starter is spinning very good. I noticed there was no where to put a lanyard so iam pretty sure that might be the issue. I have no Idea where it is, what post are you talking about?

 

[Dr Honda]

Unless I'm wrong... there is a small switch post just to the right of the key. That should be your safety lanyard. The idea is you wear the lanyard, and if you fall off, it kills the engine. (but that's not normally a problem in an 18' boat)


If it's off... the engine will crank all day, and never fire.

FYI... if you need the owners manual for your boat... you can down load it for free on seadoo's web site. There's a tab under "Owner Center"... and then manuals.


You can see mine just below the key. (and me not wearing it) I have an Islandia (22') and I'm not too worried about falling off.

 

[Thraex]

Thank you very much about your fast reply.
The fact is that the only thing i have beside my key switch is a tiny button that says stop on it. I just tried to use it to start the engine (as i read in other post) and i think i dont know how it work... do I hold it before turning the key or after...how long do i hold it? I tried it a cpl time, it seems better i can see that the engine wants to start but it wont completely ignite. is it flood or something?

Thank you again!
Dave

 

[Dr Honda]

The lanyard cap holds the button down. SO... if you were cranking it, with it up... yes... your engine is probably flooded.


Did the last owner give you a lanyard?


Better yet... post a picture of your dash so I can see everything. Since it's an 11 year old, used boat... who knows what a past owner has done.

 

[Thraex]

I dont think he gave me any type of lanyard, unless iam that retarded. Just a set of keys and thats it! If i have to hold the switch down at all times there is nothing to hold it down permanently while iam using the boat. Trying to upload a pic but it wont load

 

[Dr Honda]

email it to me

tony AT a-lmotorsports DOT com

 

[Thraex]

OK i did, did you received them?

 

[Dr Honda]

Doesn't look like the factory switch. it should be taller, and have a lip around the edge that the lanyard would snap on to.


So... since it doesn't have a lip for the lanyard... I'll assume that you don't hold it in. That looks like a "push to stop."


Don't push it, and try to start the engine. But... open your deck lid to make sure you have some fresh air for the engine to breath.

 

[Thraex]

I Called the last owner of the boat, he forgot to give me the thingy you put over the switch for it to stay on all the time. Your help was very appreciated. I will defenitely come back whenever I get trouble again.

Thank you very much :thumbsup: