650/X-2 650sx, I think my starter is shorting out, maybe??

[gb550]

I just purchased my first Kawi 650sx, year 1991, I posted earlier about a water box and have another question/problem...

So I set up a bilge pump on the ski, got it glued to the floor, have all the wiring connected properly. The negative is hooked up to the battery negative terminal, the positive goes to the switch and from the switch to the positive terminal. I go to start the ski and there is a spark that comes from the starter, then the ski doesn't start, nothing! not a noise! then I unhook the negative line for the bilge, come back 20min later and it starts again without the bilge hooked up. Whats the problem????

 

[gb550]

do I need to ground the starter? ummm, should I ground the bilge to a bolt on the ski?

 

[Vumad]

I was trying to reply but the internet was having issues.

Your bilge wiring is fine. If it works w/o the bilge and does not with, your problem is likely due to bad connections. The bilge wires reduce current a little and if your current is low then it might not start. Remove all of the wires, clean all of the connections, use an electrical cleaner and a wire brush, inspect your wires and your batteries, and replace anything that is worn out. Be extra thurough at the place where it's sparking, clean the threads the bolt goes into and everything.

Most of us put the switch on the negative wire, the opposite of what you have, but that shouldn't create your problem. The idea is the negative will cuase the switch and the fuse to corrode at a slower rate. You should add a 2.5 or 5 amp inline fuse somewhere easily accessable.

 

[gb550]

no worries, thanks for replying!

Ok, well lets just start with how i tied my electrical line for the bilge. I twist the two ends really tight, then i douse those two ends in liquid electrical tape with 4 cotes to ensure it is seasled from water. The I wrap the electrcal tape tightly around the two ends to hold it all together. Could this cause a problem?

I Will go through all the wiring, clean it up and see if the problem still persists.

 

[WFO Speedracer]

Get some heat shrink butt connectors, you crimp them then heat them , they have an adhesive inside so the connection is then totally sealed from the elements.

 

[Vumad]

The way you did it is not a good way to seal the wires. You need to get the heat shrink connectors. Your way will last a while in fresh water but in salt water it'll fail quickly.

 

[gb550]

I only ride in fresh water but I will definitely do that, thanks!