'96 Polaris sl780 - Won't Start - Weak Crank - New Battery

[rybad]

I have a '96 Polaris sl780 - when running, it runs great, very fast. Last week, I was on an island, tried to start it and she cranked slow (as if the battery was dying...) I jumped it off my cousin who was with me, and it fired up. The next stop (about 1/2 later), the same thing, except this time, I could not jump it. Just cranked very slow for about 3-4 tries, then would just "click". The voltmeter was still reading 13 volts, but I bought and fully charged a new battery, thinking the cca was bad. After installing the new battery, the exact same thing occurs.<br /><br />I just ordered a rebuilt starter, but not sure if it is the solenoid. <br /><br />I have lost my repair manual, and dont know where the solenoid connectors are in the box. Does anyone know which I can jump to check the solenoid?<br /><br />Does this sound like a solenoid or starter problem?<br /><br />Thanks for you input.

 

[Jeff Walkowiak]

Re: '96 Polaris sl780 - Won't Start - Weak Crank - New Battery

sounds like a weak starter or bad cables ,, try the cable ends and see if they are corroded first, obviously not the battery ends but the other ones

 

[rybad]

Re: '96 Polaris sl780 - Won't Start - Weak Crank - New Battery

The battery cable "ends" are fine at both ends. I just reinstalled the starter about a month ago. I had the needle bearing replaced (by recommendation of the repair shop) because the same thing happened last year. They said the needle bearing was froze, and wasnt allowing the starter to turn. (I would have thought they tested the starter, but apparently not.)<br /><br />Anyway, I just ordered a rebuilt starter, I will replace it, but was hoping to get suggestions as to weather or not it sounded like a starter problem as opposed to a solenoid or something else.<br /><br />-Dave

 

[stingray190rx]

Re: '96 Polaris sl780 - Won't Start - Weak Crank - New Battery

do you live near boat ramp that is easily accesible?

 

[Jeff Walkowiak]

Re: '96 Polaris sl780 - Won't Start - Weak Crank - New Battery

remove the plugs and turn the engine over by hand if it is difficult to turn you may have a pump problem and it is causing the starter to work too hard, look for contact with the liner those pumps will deform from corrosion and bulge the liner causing it to contact the impellor. just one more thing to check out .

 

[RandyJ]

Re: '96 Polaris sl780 - Won't Start - Weak Crank - New Battery

I don't know a thing about a Polaris, but if I want to check for a bad solenoid It can be done by substitution. Use a solenoid from a riding lawnmower or even an old Ford solenoid from a car. Make sure the case is grounded. If this works then you know it is the solenoid. Can get an old ford solenoid cheap or free from junkyard or parts store...riding lawn mowers use similar solenoids.

 

[Jeff Walkowiak]

Re: '96 Polaris sl780 - Won't Start - Weak Crank - New Battery

could be bad ground wires to the engine or the pump is dragging and slowing down the starter, to jump the starter just cross the two main terminals on the selonoid with a pair of pliers.

 

[babycakes001]

Re: '96 Polaris sl780 - Won't Start - Weak Crank - New Battery

Mine has the similar problem, only that when I start it just makes a tick sound, no crank. battery is good. Have been away for four months, wonder what could be the problem ?????

 

[Jeff Walkowiak]

Re: '96 Polaris sl780 - Won't Start - Weak Crank - New Battery

the pump liner is probably bad and has locked up the impeller,, galvanic corrosion causes the stainless liner to bulge and make contact with the impeller,, it usually happens while the ski is not being used for a period of time.. unfortunately those do not have replaceable liners so you have to buy a new or good used pump,, there was a place that was relining the pumps you can check and see if they do Polaris,, email parts@jetkingparts.com and ask