Is there a way to test a starter?

[Shadow7874]

Can a jet ski (96 seadoo) starter be tested like a car starter can? Our newest addition to the fleet doesnt turn over apparently and i was wondering if we can take the starter to autozone or something like that to have them test it before buying a new one. We bought the ski a couple days ago and havent put the motor back in so we are only going by what the previous owner told us, but my dad has looked over the motor and hasnt seen any obvious problems or internal rust.

 

[Shifty]

Test the starter yourself. Get a set of jumper cables and clamp the positive to the positive stud of the starter, negitive to a clean aluminium mounting tab (ground). Then connect the other end of the cables to a GOOD battery, leaving the positive for last when your ready to test.

If the motor spins strong (jerks in your hand:eek5 its likely to be a good starter in my experience.

 

[WFO Speedracer]

Make sure the starter has an 8 tooth starter clutch on it if its a 787 engine,a 720 won't really care,any good starter shop should be able to check it and or rebuild it if necessary,skip autozone.

 

[Shadow7874]

Make sure the starter has an 8 tooth starter clutch on it if its a 787 engine,a 720 won't really care,any good starter shop should be able to check it and or rebuild it if necessary,skip autozone.

its a 720, ill talk to my dad when he gets home from work tomorrow. Hes doing most of the work, but im trying to help when i get time.

Ill post any updates as i get them, you guys are far more knowledgeable then myself.

 

[ger87410]

The only good starter test is a test under load.

 

[SharkB8]

Test the starter yourself. Get a set of jumper cables.....

I tried that once. It turned out to be my first experience doing 'electric welding', with sparks flying everywhere and me soiling my drawers.

You could use your ski's electronics in testing it.....find the + wire that goes to the starter, and use your jumper cables to extend that wire up to the starter that you have clamped in a vice. Use the black jumper to ground the starter to the battery's negative post and you're set. Just press the ski's start button and hopefully the starter spins.

 

[Shifty]

True I just figured he might as well rule out poor connections, relay, etc. Yes be prepared for an arc. Maybe wear some safety goggles and coat your arms in gasoline before testing. J/K

 

[QuickMick]

The only good starter test is a test under load.

true, so grab the spline wile its spinning with yourfingers to try and stop it from spinning or to slow it down. NOT

 

[Shifty]

It would be eaiser to test torque by using your molars to grip the pinion with.