1996 Sea Doo XP Won't Start

[Chris2]

I sure could use some advice since I can't get anyone to work on this thing for 3 weeks. We were having problems with the Sea Doo surging at 2/3 throttle but only after riding it approximately 20 minutes. The carburetors have been removed and cleaned. I have also replaced the starter and the start/stop button which was bad. Just prior to replacing the start/stop button the engine quit and since replacing the button I have not been able to get it to start. It would not fire at all and when I removed the plugs they were wet like the engine was flooding. I put new plugs in however the engine would still not start and it now appears that the plugs are not getting any fire to them. I am definitely not a mechanic and would appreciate any advice on how to troubleshoot and repair this problem since I can't get anyone to work on it.

[JPX]

Re: 1996 Sea Doo XP Won't Start

In light of the problems I have seen in a 96 GSX I've been cleaning up, you might want to check several things:
1. check for any water in the ignition coil box (where the other end of the spark plug wires run. The GSX I'm working on had flooded at one point and infiltrated the box. This might have worked for a while after the flood, but the corrosion eventually messed up the connections.

2. Check the VTS and ALL fuses - 1 in the ignition coil box and the 3 up front in the computer block.
3. Run a strong magnet over the DESS terminal on the handlebar while connecting the lanyard. You should hear a small click which indicates the post is physically working.

[Free97GS]

Re: 1996 Sea Doo XP Won't Start

In light of the problems I have seen in a 96 GSX I've been cleaning up, you might want to check several things:
1. check for any water in the ignition coil box (where the other end of the spark plug wires run. The GSX I'm working on had flooded at one point and infiltrated the box. This might have worked for a while after the flood, but the corrosion eventually messed up the connections.

2. Check the VTS and ALL fuses - 1 in the ignition coil box and the 3 up front in the computer block.
3. Run a strong magnet over the DESS terminal on the handlebar while connecting the lanyard. You should hear a small click which indicates the post is physically working.

That's pretty interesting, not to steal the thread but how does the magnet deal work, pass it over with the lanyard on the DESS? and what actually clicks?

[ZR1_170]

Re: 1996 Sea Doo XP Won't Start

Can't wait to here what the fix is on this one. Mine started doing this yesterday. I also found like the post above that the terminals in that box were rusty. I cleaned the terminals and put a new solinold on it and a new starter and thought the problem was fixed but the only other thing mine does is when it is surging the battery light comes on. I am think maybe something with the stator?

[chaddmz]

Re: 1996 Sea Doo XP Won't Start

might want to make sure that you have 2 negative wires connected to the negative post on the battery