temps in the 30's snow in the forecast, makes perfect sense: Off-topic discussion forum: Grassroots Motorsports Magazine

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Feb. 13, 2012 9:26 a.m. Strizzo SuperDork

So i went to visit my folks and some family last weekend, and this followed me home. seemed like the thing to do at the time, since the weather was so nice out. its a 97, and i was told it "ran when parked", im charging the battery now to see if its got enough left in it to crank the motor, if not it'll get a new battery. i've read the starters are a bit of a weak point due to the high compression. anyone know what else to look out for/replace? i've already ordered a replacement engine cover support, as well as a new left handlebar assembly since the rubber is worn out on the start/stop switch and trim switches.
Feb. 13, 2012 9:48 a.m. Autolex Dork

Upboat for nice Xterra (mine's very similar, alas; not an OR model) and nice ski!
Feb. 13, 2012 10:13 a.m. N Sperlo SuperDork

Replace the whole thing and give it to me.

Very jealous.
Feb. 13, 2012 10:27 a.m. mad_machine SuperDork

so you're the one to blame for this cold snap in the middle of what has been a very nice winter
Feb. 13, 2012 11:08 a.m. Strizzo SuperDork

In reply to mad_machine:

must be, it was 27 at my parents house sat. morning when i was working this deal, and a smoking deal it was, basically like i bought the trailer and it came with the ski attached. hoping to have some good fun with it this summer and then move it on for a profit once its sorted.
Feb. 13, 2012 12:32 p.m. Strizzo SuperDork

so has anyone else had any experience with these? i used to do a bit of small-time maintenance for a few people back when we lived on a lake, but that was mostly just replacing/charging batteries and draining old gas because people would use them like once a year and then they'd sit until i got them running again the next year. my only other sea-doo experience is with a much older model.
Feb. 13, 2012 10:26 p.m. Strizzo SuperDork

Well it runs. Left it On the charger today while I was at work, came home and got it to turn over past the compression. With some assistance from the charger, it cranked long enough to get it to fire and run. I have to double click the start button in order for the battery to be able to turn it over. Otherwise it can't turn past the compression and just goes clunk, clunk, clunk. I've heard that this can be a weak starter, bad ground or weak battery. I'm pretty sure the battery isn't in top shape, and when I put the meter on it, it the voltage climbs from 15.5ish to over 20 volts, which seems to me to indicate a bad battery. This is supposed to be a 12v system.... The good news is that it cranked and started after about 10-20 seconds with the choke pulled, then warmed right up to running smooth. Revved up crisp and clean with no hesitation, can't wait for some better weather to get it on the water.