*UPDATE* smoke from Ebox

[bassdocktor]

Ok well I thought I was gonna go out adjust my carb and ride for a few afternoons and now no such luck.

Took the ski out after charging the battery and went to start it and all nothing happened when I hit the green button so I check the main fuse. It's fine so then I tried it again and all I got was a click when I'd hit the button. Tried it a third time and as I had the hood open I saw a small puff of white smoke come out.

Both the sound and smoke seemed to come from the E box.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks guys.

 

[Matt_E]

That's normal. :biggrin:

Sounds like you either have a short in the ebox or your starter is locked up.

 

[ger87410]

Check the mirrors. If the mirrors in the box are not cracked or broke, just fill it back up with smoke. :biggthumpup:

What type of ski? Bypass the starter solenoid to test if it's bad.

 

[bassdocktor]

Any ideas how I can check those? Could be the starter as it's been squealing lately after I start it a few times.

 

[bassdocktor]

It's a 95 WB1 hull with a 93 701 engine in it. Looks like I'll be tearing into the Ebox today.

 

[ger87410]

Starter should be easy to test. Yank and hook up to a battery.

I'm not sure how the solenoid is in a WB. Look to see where the positive cable from the battery connects to. The positive side of the starter should connect to the same thing (solenoid). Just short the 2 wires together, temporarily like.

 

[Matt_E]

I am betting your starter is locked up. When you push the start button, you get full current through those wires and the starter - essentially a big short circuit. The wires get hot, it smokes.

 

[bassdocktor]

Serious question, if it's locked is it trashed? This blaster has been my first real project so I'm learning alot especially thanks to you guys here.

Would anyone be able to send me to a link on how to test it? I searched once before with no luck for a jetski starter.

 

[Matt_E]

If it's locked up, it's trashed.

You can connect 12 volts from the batter directly to the starter terminal (and ground to the casing). If it doesn't spin, it's locked up.
Or, remove it and try to spin it by hand. If you can't, it's trash.

 

[bassdocktor]

Well looks like it's time to go pull the starter. Thanks, I had a feeling a new starter was coming the way it was starting to squeal.

Looks like I'll be back if it isn't the starter.
Thanks guys.

 

[ger87410]

Sometimes you can make a starter that's starting to squeal last a bit longer by yanking, and lubing and cleaning the bearings. There will be 2.

 

[bassdocktor]

Thanks I'll try that once I get it pulled til I can get the new one.

Times like this I really wish I could hit that thanks button for more than 1 person per thread.

 

[Idok]

Sometimes you can make a starter that's starting to squeal last a bit longer by yanking, and lubing and cleaning the bearings. There will be 2.

then you'll just have to REDO the job again after a short time...I dont know about you, but I HATE changingh starters.......



get a good one from jetmaniac and do the job once

 

[Matt_E]

Bingo.
Kludging a starter that's going out anyways will result in a breakdown at the most inopportune time. Fix it right and don't worry about it anymore.

 

[FlightPlanDan]

Gotta say...those first couple reply's were great.

But, x2. A starter is not something I'd wanna do on a regular basis. I can't do it w/o pulling the head pipe. I'd rather pull the motor.
Tkmww did his on the beach in Daytona at the freeride and only pulled the stinger. But I like to "see" what I'm working on.

BTW: I know a lot of guys don't like the DB electronics starters. I've had very good luck with them. For $79.00 vs. 300.00 plus for OEM....your call.

Also, the manufacturer of those starters name is showing up on a lot of old Kawi electronics. (an x2 bud showed me a new solenoid)

 

[bassdocktor]

Well I worked the starter free, still not out, but it's spinning freely. I'm gonna pull it all the way out but it maybe it's not the locked up starter.

You guys are right pulling this thing out again kinda sucks.

Any other ideas?

 

[Matt_E]

Now you can open up the ebox and investigate the smoke monster.

Don't fall for the Locke face, it's really the man in black.

 

[FlightPlanDan]

Pull the plugs, try turning the motor over at the coupler.

The starter may work with no load and still be bad. On the other hand, if you can't turn the motor.....................

 

[Matt_E]

...you got bigger problems.

 

[WaveDemon]

The guy who figures out how to put the smoke back in electrical parts will be a rich man.