*Update* Weird noise

Ok guys I've tried searching and haven't come up with anything similar. I was out this weekend riding for awhile and when I went to restart my ski you hear a whine or squeel like noise when you crank it. But the ski started righted up and the noise disappeared. I tried a few more times to start it and about 80% of the time you'd hear the noise.

I'd appreciate any ideas or help as I' pretty new to putting wrench time into my ski. It's probably gonna be a few days before I can get back to my ski as it's out of state.

It's a 93 motor with a pro-tec pipe, water box, supposedly new cdi, msd plug caps, oil block off, and an FA. I beleive that's it. I've only had the ski for about 1.5 months now so I beleive thats it.

Thanks in advance.
 
Last edited:
Location
NY
Is it just a general constant noise or does it vary with each crank. You've gotta be more specific man. No ideas jump out at me, but maybe some one else can help you out. If it's making funny noises just be happy it's running lol.
 
The actual noise is pretty consistant. Kind of a whine or squeel. Happens about 80% of the time I try to start it up. Could be coincidence but I believe it only happend after I had been riding. I did try starting it after I pulled it out of the water. Noise stops as soon as you stop pressing the little green start button.

Sounded like it was coming from the enigine compartment. But, I was in the water when I'd hear it.

I was thinking something starter related as it only happens when I try to start it and disappears when you let go of the button. I'd imagine I wouldn't hurt it by riding it but I'd like to be sure.
 

DirtyJ

Freedom aint free no more
Sounds like your starter is fine but your Bendix is on its way out.
Your description is a little foggy but thats what it sounds like to me!

If thats what it is, you will be fine. Its a cheap and pretty simple fix!
 

ger87410

How did I get here?
Location
Fort Worth
Maybe the bendix isn't disengaging correctly.
Maybe a bearing.

What ski? Does it do the same when starting on a stand? Have you tried starting it with the hood off to tell where the noise is coming from?
 
Thanks for the replies guys! I do understand the decsription is foggy but I wasn't sure how to describe it as I wasn't sure what it was.

As far as you questions go it's a 95 WB1 hull with a 93 701 from what I was told by the previous owner was from a WB1. It has the mods I listed at the top. As far as being on the stand making the noise it did but it didn't happen constantly kinda like I mentioned before.

When I did start it with the hood off no noise. Go figure right. Being a musician for about 15 years I've got a pretty good ear for where sounds come from and it sounded like it was toward the front of the ski. However, obviously I can't be 100% sure.

I would have posted video but the only video camera I had was my dad's Iphone and he wasn't around when I was riding. If I don't get this figured out I'll post video in about a week when I get back to my ski.

I guess I'll start looking for a bendix and reading how to change it out.
 
Update

Ok so I was able to play around with the blaster today to see if I could get the noise to come back. Well no suck luck but now it's alittle different.

When I go to crank it the starter is spinning but you can tell it isn't engaging anything. If you crank it once or twice more it'll engage and you can get it to start.

I'm pretty sure you guys were right with the bendix as I can get it started and the starter spins freely.

Does this sound right for a bad bendix? I'm guessing I'll need a new gasket right? Anything else I'll need to order?

Thanks in advance once again guys.
 

ger87410

How did I get here?
Location
Fort Worth
I dunno WB starters. I do know old Kawasaki and Seadoo starters. If it's anything like a Seadoo or old Kawi starter, just get a new starter. It comes with the bendix.
 

DirtyJ

Freedom aint free no more
I dunno WB starters. I do know old Kawasaki and Seadoo starters. If it's anything like a Seadoo or old Kawi starter, just get a new starter. It comes with the bendix.

I gonna have to disagree with that one. I have cooked three bendix's but only one starter so to replace a good starter just doesnt make sense. Take your starter apart and clean/inspect it and if all is well put it back together and use it. Dont buy an aftermarket crappy bendix, buy an OEM one! If your careful taking the flywheel cover gasket off you can just seal it with silicone and re-use

Good luck
 

tightithrash

Zack Bright. I Thrash.
Site Supporter
Location
Oceanside, CA
your starter is pry fine. just get a new bendix. you can find used oem ones on here, i wouldnt recommend an aftermarket one IMO but do what ya want, just post a "Want To Buy" thread in the for sale section.

you can still ride it but its a risk everytime you push the green button.... once you bendix starts doin what its doing its a ticking time bomb.... cuz one of those times you try and start it its not going to dis-engage and will basically explode thowing broken bendix parts all over and could take out your stator and possibly your flywheel.....

been there, done that!!!! change it now and keep more money in your wallet.
 
Thanks for the replies. I kinda figured replacing the starter seems alittle crazy if the starter is good and its only the bendix. Plus, pretty sure there is a decent price difference.

Any recommendation for what silicone to use?
 
So I was about to pull stuff apart and am wondering do you generally need to pull the pipe to get at the starter? Kinda looks that way. It's a pro-tec f series pipe if that matters.
Once again thanks.
 
Yeah that's what I was saying. So ok I guess the pipe is coming out too. Is there gonna be a gasket to replace there or can I use something like else like the silicone on the flywheel cover?
Thanks, you guys are awesome.
 
Ok guys last question for awhile. Before I drop $200+ for a new bendix is there any way to make sure that's the issue? Also I'm guessing there is no way to tell if a used one is gonna work other than a person's word right?

Once again thanks guys you have been a huge help.
 
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