1993 Waverunner 3 starting problem

[formulajoe57]

with my 1993 650 waverunner 3, I have to press the starter button like 50 times to get the starter to crank the engine. It always makes a noise like a clunk when the button is pressed, it just doesnt crank the motor. Once the starter decides to crank the motor, as long as i hold the start buttong down it will crank until it starts. After its been started it will crank every time i press the button. I cleaned the connections to the battery extremly well and bought a new battery and didnt help...Does this sound like the start button assembly, the starter, or another connection somewhere? I hate to spend a ton of money on parts I dont need.
Thanks,
Joe

 

[CFronzek]

Re: 1993 Waverunner 3 starting problem

Your key switch activates a high amperage switch called a "solenoid". the contacts inside the soleniod may have burned to the point where contact is intermitant.
If your motor is hard to start and the solenoid is engaged for long periods it will burn up more quickly.
If the solenoid makes contact and the starter spins but does not engage the motor the bendix drive on the starter is sticking.

 

[Jeff Walkowiak]

Re: 1993 Waverunner 3 starting problem

it could be a bad set of contacts in the solenoid or a bad contact on the engine side of your battery ground wire, remove the ground wire at the engine clean the end and where it bolts and see if this solves your problem, if the cable feels brittle you may need a new one also

 

[formulajoe57]

Re: 1993 Waverunner 3 starting problem

I will check the engine ground wire tonight. Thats a good idea. The waverunner did fill with fresh water 2 years ago so do you think it could of messed the solenoid up? where is it located?
Thanks,
Joe

 

[Jeff Walkowiak]

Re: 1993 Waverunner 3 starting problem

little black box on the engine compartment wall closest to the seat. pain in the butt to get in there.

 

[Researcher]

Re: 1993 Waverunner 3 starting problem

it could be a bad set of contacts in the solenoid or a bad contact on the engine side of your battery ground wire, remove the ground wire at the engine clean the end and where it bolts and see if this solves your problem, if the cable feels brittle you may need a new one also

Hi. I have a similar problem with a 93 Yamaha -it clunks, then cranks, but never starts. The spark plugs are new, gaps were measured, tips had oil/gas on them after attempt to start, and also a fine grain brown/reddish material (?). Battery is charged and new. Engine just won't quite turn over, and the last time I tried, a few wisps of smoke came out of the engine from below and to the port side of the cylinder head. This is the first start of the year, but fuel stabilizer was added before storage, and other identical unit is working. Would greatly appreciate advice.

 

[The Penguin]

Re: 1993 Waverunner 3 starting problem

Hi. I have a similar problem with a 93 Yamaha -it clunks, then cranks, but never starts. The spark plugs are new, gaps were measured, tips had oil/gas on them after attempt to start, and also a fine grain brown/reddish material (?). Battery is charged and new. Engine just won't quite turn over, and the last time I tried, a few wisps of smoke came out of the engine from below and to the port side of the cylinder head. This is the first start of the year, but fuel stabilizer was added before storage, and other identical unit is working. Would greatly appreciate advice.

"fine grain reddish brown material" sounds like rusty cylinder walls. use a small flashlight and look down into the cylinders and look at the walls.

you never said if the spark plugs are actually getting spark, but then say "it won't quite turn over"

below and port side of cylinder head is not quite descriptive enough. top, bottom, front, rear? You could have an exhaust leak due to loose bolt/blown gasket, or a hose that's loose or cracked.

 

[Researcher]

Re: 1993 Waverunner 3 starting problem

Thanks for the advice, we'll direct our work on those areas and see how things go!

 

[butchf919]

Re: 1993 Waverunner 3 starting problem

I just had a similar issue with starting. Turned out to be the plug connector going to the start switch. Pulled it apart, reconnected, and bingo it starts perfect. Plug is bad and someone had taped it together. Replaced with a standard 2 pole automotive plug connector and shrink wrapped it.
just my .02

 

[Researcher]

Re: 1993 Waverunner 3 starting problem

Turns out there was water in the crank case (!) After that was drained out, its been working fine, thankfully.

thanks,

 

[The Penguin]

Re: 1993 Waverunner 3 starting problem

look forward to an engine replacement.