2 replies to this topic

[ocorgi]

Hi everyone,
My husband and I just purchased our first boat 2 days ago (and got our boating license the same day!). We have a 1997 Sea-Doo Challenger 1800. We purchased it from a Sea-Doo dealer and have a 30d warranty for repairs. When we test drove it, the right engine had some trouble starting. It was also idling very low and shut off a couple of times (only while idling). Additionally, it was running about 500rpms faster than the left one while it was running at over about 4000 rpms. The dealer was great about performing last minute fixes before we agreed to buy it (which we figured was a huge advantage over a private seller). They adjusted the idle speed (which they said they had been messing with the day before and left it too low - about 1500rpms while the other was about 2500, I think.) We thought that the idling thing would fix the start-up, because it started well when we gave it a little bit of gas (during the test). As for the rpm split, the guy replaced the wear ring on the right engine, which seemed to fix it (now the left runs at a higher rpm (only about 200)! maybe it will need one soon too). Anyway, we took it out yesterday and had quite a bit more trouble starting the right engine. We succeeded eventually each time, but it's a bit upsetting. The left engine is new last year and the right one had the top end rebuilt. The Sea-Doo dealer is about 2 hours away, so we'll need to call them and discuss this issue before we decide to drive it up there. Does anyone have any thoughts on what's going on? I doubt the 30d warranty would cover an engine replacement! Is there a starter mechanism or something that might be in need of repair?
Thanks,
Jessica

[Kevin Leclair]

I would hold the dealer accountable if they agreed to the 30d warranty. Keep us posted on what else they find.

By the way welcome to the site!

[Overkill]

Quick notes:
Both engines should idle at 1500 in the water. 2500 is too high and they could be hiding a carb problem.
200 rpm separation isn't bad in the higher ranges. It is affected by so many things and mine seems to change day to day.
Not sure what you mean by starting hard, 10 seconds of cranking or 2 minutes? 10 seconds is common on mine.
I'd make a detailed list and take it back to the dealer.