Engine no go

monsoonmoon · 09-22-2009, 10:20 PM

Hi, problem time again.

I have a 2002 Polaris Virage i, which i had out on the water 2 weeks back. Due to bad weather, i've not been out since.
Yesterday, I decided to get out there, but on trying to start, the battery was flat. I've had the battery on charge over night, and re connected it this morning. Once connected, the voltage reading was 12.3.
On pressing the start button, the engine turns just once, and then makes a loud constant clicking noise, until I release the start button. As I did this the voltage dropped dramatically, initially to 11.5 and then to 10.8 upon a second press of the start button. I cant tell exactly where the clicking noise is coming from.

Any help on this would be much appreciated!

Steve

Keith447 · 09-23-2009, 12:10 AM

Clean and re-tighten the battery cable connections - both ends of both cables.

Use a screw driver to firmly short the two heavy red wire terminals of the start solenoid together. If the engine cranks properly, then the solenoid may have failed. The black bodied solenoids are known to fail. Replace with the newer brown version.

If the above doesn't help, replace the battery.

The battery may be internally weak, even after charging.

monsoonmoon · 09-23-2009, 04:46 AM

Thanks Keith,

I still have the main battery on charge at the mo, but I connected a partially charged battery up and shorted the solenoid as you suggested, which managed to crank the engine slowly a couple of times. I'll wait until the main battery is fully charged and try it again tonight.

The solenoid I have on now is the brown model.

Thanks again,

Steve

Keith447 · 09-24-2009, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by monsoonmoon

Thanks Keith,

I still have the main battery on charge at the mo, but I connected a partially charged battery up and shorted the solenoid as you suggested, which managed to crank the engine slowly a couple of times. I'll wait until the main battery is fully charged and try it again tonight.

The solenoid I have on now is the brown model.

Thanks again,

Steve

Edit: It is also possible the starter has gone bad and is drawing too much current, but first focus on the battery and solenoid.

BIG CUBE 426 · 09-25-2009, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by monsoonmoon

Thanks Keith,

I still have the main battery on charge at the mo, but I connected a partially charged battery up and shorted the solenoid as you suggested, which managed to crank the engine slowly a couple of times. I'll wait until the main battery is fully charged and try it again tonight.

The solenoid I have on now is the brown model.

Thanks again,

Steve

replaced my brown one twice..

monsoonmoon · 09-26-2009, 05:38 AM

Ok, so neither battery seems to taking a full charge at the mo, hopefully thats the main culprit, will get them tested next week.

Thanks for the help guys.

Steve

Keith447 · 10-21-2009, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by monsoonmoon

Ok, so neither battery seems to taking a full charge at the mo, hopefully thats the main culprit, will get them tested next week.

Thanks for the help guys.

Steve

The Polaris PWC require a really healthy battery. If there is any question about the internal health of the battery, just install a new , high quality battery.

Don't even try to re-use an old battery that can barely start the engine. It will fail again, and could leave you stranded on the water somewhere.

Best battery around is the Odyssey PC625.

Any good quality factory sealed AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) battery is better than the regular lead-acid 'powersports' batteries.

monsoonmoon · 10-22-2009, 01:54 AM

Thanks Keith, I did exactly that, bought a new, better quality battery and since then, no problems whatsoever. Its amazing how sensitive these ski's are!

Thanks for the help mate,

Steve