PWC help-Suzuki engine

[Buffalo Bill]

Hey Guys, I just got this PWC for the acceptable price of only $0. and change. 1997 Tigershark 640, Suzuki engine, 2 stroke.
All cleaned up, but the engine don't turn over. Just the solenoid clicking.
I have a manual ordered, but feel free to give me your opinions on what to do next.
The first thing I considered was that the engine seized up, but I put a rod down the spark plug hole and it was easy to push the piston down.
I'm thinkin' I should take the starter off and see if it spins, but it looks like the water pump has to come off too and that means a new gasket.
Let me know, thanks.

[Nessism]

Jump the starter solonoid to spin the engine. As long as it isn't siezed that should work.

[Buffalo Bill]

OK, good idea…

Jump the starter solonoid to spin the engine. As long as it isn't siezed that should work.

OK Ed, good suggestion and after some naps on the couch I figured out a good way to do that. I got it wired directly from the battery but with a switch in the pos. The starter is only giving a weak-faint snok sound when it gets juice, I only give it a short jolt. Because the sound is so weak, my impression is that the starter is not working at all.
I'm thinking the starter is bum, but I'll wait for the manual to come so I can read the trouble shooting guide before I buy a new starter.
This boat had a busted bilge pump too, so the starter must have gotten submerged more than once, and that could have done it in.
Thanks.

[koolaid_kid]

If the parts are available you could rebuild the starter. Not much to them, actually.

[SqDancerLynn1]

Check with www.stockers.com I would bet they have starter parts for it..

[koolaid_kid]

Check with www.stockers.com I would bet they have starter parts for it..

Yep, they have the starter for $120 and the repair kit for $20. Take your pick.

[tejasmud]

New battery I assume.

Make sure all the battery connections, those at the starter solenoid, and starter all all tight after cleaning them up. I've been sitting in the middle of the lake a few times with a no starting machine a year old. Pretty much bites, but 9 times out of 10 it was just the connections.

PWC starters are meant to be subjected to water, but a 10+ old boat might need some TLC. Depending on the PO and who they allowed to drive the boat, young drivers especially, if it doesn't start the starter usually gets a good beating by the operator.

Lack of rust on the fasteners and other components in the engine compartment, and lack of scratches, and fading of the seat and soft parts. Shoot, doesn't look like it has seen much abuse/use at all.

For a 97' that's a real clean boat!

E

[Buffalo Bill]

New site for me…

Check with www.stockers.com I would bet they have starter parts for it..

Thanks, that looks like a good source for all kinds of bikes too!

[Buffalo Bill]

The battery's got to be replaced…

New battery I assume.

Make sure all the battery connections, those at the starter solenoid, and starter all all tight after cleaning them up. I've been sitting in the middle of the lake a few times with a no starting machine a year old. Pretty much bites, but 9 times out of 10 it was just the connections.

PWC starters are meant to be subjected to water, but a 10+ old boat might need some TLC. Depending on the PO and who they allowed to drive the boat, young drivers especially, if it doesn't start the starter usually gets a good beating by the operator.

Lack of rust on the fasteners and other components in the engine compartment, and lack of scratches, and fading of the seat and soft parts. Shoot, doesn't look like it has seen much abuse/use at all.

For a 97' that's a real clean boat!

E

Thanks, I want to have a few more tries at that starter before I condemn it, and I did try it with a good battery from my GS1100G.
Yes they do have a teen boy, plus the dad was an A type for sure.

[Buffalo Bill]

Starter siezed…

Well the original starter's armature bearing is seized up.
I got a good used starter for $50, spins good, but the starter drive assembly is spinning free too, it's supposed to engage the flywheel. Bummer…
It looks like the PO couldn't start the engine, so he just kept spinning the starter until the assembly busted, and then kept on until the starter bearing seized up as well.
From lookin' at the service manual, the flywheel's got to come off, so the starter drive can come out. I got to buy a starter drive too.
Later, not this weekend.
Bill

[Buffalo Bill]

Damn boat works great!

Starter issues fixed, so I dropped the boat on the ramp!
Seems I took for granted the trailer used a 1-7/8" ball, NO, it takes a 2 inch! So the trailer came off as I was backing the car down the ramp, then the car would not hold the load and was creaking down to roll over me! I got a chuck under the wheel but because I'm a green, I some how dragged the boat up onto the ramp.
No Damage, I worked the boat down into the water with a 2x6 plank and I tie the boat to the pier.
OK, some friendly guys show up and want to help: Wish you were here 10 minutes ago!
Cool! So the boat starts up and runs great, I'm good with engines.
I take it down the river and out onto Lake Michigan. It runs great, but the water's too choppy to give the motor any better than 1/2 power because I'm bouncing around like a cowboy. It's got plenty of power!
No more problems, that was the first launch and we survived a few little problems.
Tested and ready to list on Ebay!