Written by Rod Stewart at pwcpartsyard.com
Prepare Your Jet Ski for the Riding Season: A Troubleshooting Guide
As the riding season draws near, it's essential to ensure your jet ski is primed for action. There's nothing more disappointing than uncovering your jet ski, hitting the start button, and hearing only the dreaded click of failure. This article offers a detailed troubleshooting checklist to help you swiftly address common starting issues and get back on the water without delay.
Common Reasons Your Jet Ski Won't Start
1. Dead or Low Battery
- Symptoms: Dim display digits, a clicking starter relay without engine turnover, low voltage warning.
- Solution: Charge or replace the battery. Check that all connections are secure and clean.
2. Faulty Spark Plugs
- Symptoms: Rough engine running, misfires, smoke, or low RPMs. The engine light may also illuminate.
- Solution: Install new OEM spark plugs. It's crucial to avoid aftermarket plugs to prevent potential engine damage and warranty issues.
3. Worn Starter Relay
- Symptoms: Intermittent starting, clicking sound with no engine turnover.
- Solution: Replace the starter relay with a new OEM part.
4. Starter Motor Issues
- Symptoms: All systems power up, but the engine doesn’t turn over.
- Solution: Replace the starter motor with OEM equipment.
5. Stuck Starter Bendix
- Symptoms: The starter motor spins but doesn’t engage the engine.
- Solution: This repair might be complex and could require professional assistance.
6. Blocked Jet Pump
- Symptoms: The engine doesn’t turn over; possibly something is stuck.
- Solution: Refer to your repair manual to remove and clear the jet pump. Often, a wear ring replacement is necessary after clearing debris.
Closing Thoughts
This guide is designed to equip you with the necessary knowledge to tackle common issues that could prevent your jet ski from starting. With some effort, you can save both time and money while ensuring your jet ski is adventure-ready. If problems persist, seeking professional help is advisable to keep your season trouble-free.