97 SPX(800) with no spark.

[flamed94xp]

A couple of days ago my buddies 97 SPX quit on him.
It was kind of weird though. He was out for 30 minute's and running great, when all of a sudden the engine died.
We towed it too the beach to check for the usual. Gas and spark.
Lots of gas, no spark.
I've done some searching around here and found lots of info.
He also has the 97 service manual. Its say's in their, if no spark change MPEM or ignition.
How can you tell if the MPEM is no good?
He already cut the spark plug wire's back and still nothing. (found that here)
All fuse's are good. Checked the 2 in the ignition box and MPEM box.

If someone has any idea's what to look for or at? Any help would be appreciated. He doesn't really want to go out and buy another CDI(MPEM) if he does need too.
Oh ya, he has 152 hours on his machine.

Thanks

[1fastski.com]

Re: 97 SPX(800) with no spark.

it could be many things , its commin for the pickup under the mag cover to go bad or break . if the battery drops under 12 volts it will loose spark . just a loose wire or dirty wire can do it , make sure all grounds { small black box } are clean . to test the MPEM the easy way if you have a buddy with the same ski is to swap the front box out , its easy all connectors are plug ins , just rememeber you need the key that goes with the box also .

[flamed94xp]

Re: 97 SPX(800) with no spark.

1fastski thanks

He has a 96 xp. Can he use the MPEM from that?

[seadoohx]

Re: 97 SPX(800) with no spark.

yes you can.. that will actually work great
and i would bet its your pickup
to replace you need to remove the front motor mount and support the engine with a 2x4 and remove the front cover that has the stator and pickup..
its real easy
and the new coil is like 75 bux but is updated from the older ones that were known to fail ..

[flamed94xp]

Re: 97 SPX(800) with no spark.

Is there an easy way to check if its the pickup??? or does it just brake inside?

Thanks again

[jwood]

Re: 97 SPX(800) with no spark.

Is there an easy way to check if its the pickup??? or does it just brake inside?

Thanks again

They actually break off of the bracket.
You will have to pull the front cover.
It's a pretty common failure on a 96 xp.

[flamed94xp]

Re: 97 SPX(800) with no spark.

Would like to thank you guys
Seadoohx and jwood :emoticonc
You guys hit it. :emoticont
Took the mag cover off and there she was. The metal clip was broke in two.
Now for another question.
I had to take off all 3 bolts that hold the motor down.
I used some white-out around the washer's to mark location's.
Is that going to be okay for alignment??? Or am I just worring about nothing.?
Oh this is flamed's buddy and I would just like to say thanks! To all!!!!

[seadoohx]

Re: 97 SPX(800) with no spark.

you will be fine..
just make sure it is fully seated in the rear pto-driveshaft area.
tighten them down and go ride..
use some blue locktite on the bolts