How to change a Seadoo Starter......1503 4TEC Engine

Step by Step and important notes on how to DIY Starter install on seadoo with a 1503 Four Stroke

[@qafmbr]

Thanks for posting, gave me the confidence to try and it was way easier than I expected. 2016 GTI 130 SE. I reached down, took pics first with my phone, then did it all by feel from the front port side, not totally to the side- my arm wouldn't fit in the side. I reached it with my reverse torx #8, took those two out, then where the positive cable attached to the starter. Then jiggled and pulled the starter for a few minutes and it came out fine. New one went in easier than I thought also! disconnecting the ground wire from the block was harder, they used some kind of thread locker or something and it was super tight, used a standard 3/8 socket driver and #17 metric socket. Cable was like new, no problem. Replaced the starter relay on the back of the fusebox/charger mount right behind the battery also, and the solenoid inside the fuse box, runs like new now!

[@rosskrueger7393]

Thanks! - great info, and it gave me enough info that I was confident I could tackle this. My GTX 4tec is a 2004 - it has the battery in the engine compartment (in front of engine) and has the Electronic Module mounted on the left side of the pwc next to the battery. I removed both of these and that gave me decent access, not sure I could have done it without removing those. Removing the electronic module support bracket was probably the most difficult part, the front outside mounting bolt is hard to reach but it can be done (and I'm sure if I did it again it would be much easier). I also pulled the hose from the front bottom of the exhaust manifold. Surprisingly with all that stuff out of the way, access and alignment for the Starter positive terminal and the mounting bolts was not bad at all (even though it was blind). It did take some work to get the starter all the way in, but it got there. Thanks again!

[@smeefamily54]

Tom: good honest repair info. That is why I give you my business. You will be the go to mechanic for all my marine repairs.

[@hakanbengtsson]

Thanks to your video, i changed my starter in less than 30 minutes. Seemed impossible at first but i made it Thank you sir

[@KefirTView]

Excellent video! - Admire both the details shared of the task + the explanation for disconnecting and reconnecting the 12V battery

[@mrinspector2206]

after watching this video I'm definitely pulling the engine. Or cutting an access panel in the side of my seadoo.

[@realityboating454]

LOL, Really it's not that bad, just need patience and the ability to visualize a bit in your head. Just don't overthink it. Best of luck

[@evan6.7]

There is no need i just did mine and i have big fat clumsy hands and it was pretty easy

[@stevenv2190]

3Deep had the engine out for this procedure. Going to the starter on top of the ski at that position is best to remove and install - recommend removing the solenoid to get better arm room.

[@dlwn64]

I have a 2007 GTI I'm about to do this on. Just put in a new battery, fuses are good, starter solenoid tests good, start button and DESS post past resistance test. When I press start, I can hear the solenoid clicking but the starter does nothing. Earlier this spring it was more difficult to start at times but would still work, then the last few times I tried it, it would engage very weak for just a split sec before stopping (almost like when you have something stuck in the prop). At the time figured it was time for a new battery since the battery was over 6 years old but now I'm thinking the starter was going. I got busy this summer so I'm just now working on it, figured a new battery would do the trick but now I believe it's the starter itself since I've tested everything else. Now it doesn't even try to do anything, just sits there. There's even 12 volts getting to the starter when I press start. Is there anything else I should test before replacing the starter? Thanks for making this video!!

[@realityboating454]

Sounds like you have done all the right steps. Make sure all your main cables are tight, but if u have 12V right ro the starter and it doesn't roll, sounds like you need a starter

[@wesleyhall2719]

Can you post a link to the starter you purchased? Great video !!

[@user-qd5gk8vr8e]

So my 2003 Jet Ski Sea soo will start, but once it gets warm and you shut it off, it won’t start again? What issue do you think there is?

[@mistywitt9065]

🎉

[@tomneron2135]

so, when I pulled the old starter off, there was no gear on it!! I guess I need to pull the motor and take off the timing cover and hunt for it and the clip??

[@realityboating454]

That doesn't sound good. Do you have a year and make and model of your unit. I could advise prior to you ripping it all apart.

[@yodadi00]

I have been looking for this procedure. Excellent. Thank you , thank you thank you. One question, not sure if I even need a starter. The symptoms are pressing start button, one click. After several attempts, it starts to crank and runs. I've replaced the battery, the starter relay and checked the resistance on the wiring, cleaned the ground and all that looks good. The only thing I can think of is the starter itself or the start button?

[@realityboating454]

It's possible that the start button could give you an issue. You can test that by seeing if it puts 12v through the solenoid when pressed. Something else to check is the DESS key itself. If you have a spare, try that and see if the issue still arises. Otherwise, it sounds like a starter and possibly a dead spot on it, or worn brushes as it takes a few times for it to actually work.

[@yodadi00]

@@realityboating454 thank you very much for the quick response. I’ll let you know what I find.

[@yodadi00]

@@realityboating454 Well, I changed the starter and that was challenging but as you said, I was able to do it. Getting it seated was the hardest part. Took me about 2.5 hours, overall not too bad. Unfortunately, that didn't solve the start issue. It seems to start more often but I still get the "click" from the solenoid. Once it starts, it seems to start each successive time until the next day. I checked the resistance in the hot and ground wires. They seemed to be fine. I did use a new dess key and that didn't change anything. Also, already changed the start solenoid with the same results. I am just throwing parts at this, but it hasn't been too expensive. ( far less than the shop charge for a starter change). I am now leaning towards the actual start switch. Not sure how that is wired, but I wonder if it is just not making great contact. If I figure this out, I'll post. Thanks for the help.

[@brooster87]

Thank you so much. Would a slow engine turnover be a bad starter possibly when the battery is good? Would the solenoid cause that possibly?

[@realityboating454]

Determine that the battery is good via a Load Test. Do not rely on a smart charger to tell you your battery is good. If the battery is indeed good, confirm 12v at the Solenoid and then 12V on the opposite side of the solenoid going to the starter when the start button is pressed. Also confirm 12v at the starter doing the same. Make sure that your ground connection is clean and tight, and also make sure your battery connections at the battery are also clean and tightened with a wrench or socket. An Amp test after all this is completed without the issue being resolved could confirm the starter being bad. If you go through the first few steps and all is fine, good chance it is a starter on its way out. Also confirm that there are no obstructions in the pump that could cause a possible slow roll like a pealed wear ring. Hope this helps.

[@benschroeder1161]

I have a 2006 seadoo gtx and the starter won’t budge. It’s a 1503 4 tec and it just won’t budge to come out. Any advice?

[@realityboating454]

Just want to confirm that all the bolts are removed. If so, the O ring may be swollen or there could be corrosion holding it in place. U may need to get creative with a small screwdriver or small pry bar to get it loose and able to be removed.

[@benschroeder1161]

@@realityboating454as soon as I posted it and tried that small pry bar tool it popped off. Thanks!

[@michelroa461]

Brother I need some help I haven’t get an answer for it. I just bought me a 2008 sea doo gti 130. It was running fine but now after a minutes on the water or a few accelerations it start having like a long beep and it loses the power. The engine start doing like a shaking kinda losing power thing. If you let it rest a few minutes it stops but comes back again. Plus I’m trying to do the oil change but don’t know how much oil it take and if it take the xps 5w-40 that’s the only thing that comes out online

[@realityboating454]

So what is happening is that the Seadoo is going into what they call Limp Home Mode. It means that the computer is sensing something isn't right and it's basically reducing power to save itself and to try to get you home or to help. Unfortunately though, you will need to find a shop or someone who has BUDS diagnostics to help you locate the issue. The beep indicates a fault which will be stored in the ECU but you need the software to point you to the issue. In regards to oil, it will take approx 3.5L of the BRP 5w40 engine oil, so 1 jug will do. I would wait to do the oil change until you can resolve the main issue though first.

[@donridenour5292]

1999 gti seadoo wontpullout all 3 bolts and exhaust systems require off but it wo t budge

[@realityboating454]

1 of 2 things. Is was installed with sealant and needs to be bumped loose. Or 2, it's jammed in the flywheel and u will need to remove the stator cover. Just to confirm, you 99 GTI is a 2 stroke correct?

[@donridenour5292]

Yes tried beating it Loose my first starter repair so would like to see stater repair to loosen flywheel

[@kensnyder7839]

Question, I can get the new starter in all the way to the 2nd o ring and then it seems like its hitting the bendix or something and i can't get it in any further. Thoughts? 3:45

[@realityboating454]

Yep, that is a possibility, you can lube up the O-rings with a bit of engine oil to help with seating. Additionally try rocking the engine back and forth a bit with either the drive shaft or through the jetpump with the impeller. Could just be you need something to move just slightly to line it up and finish the install.

[@kensnyder7839]

@realityboating454 I stuck my finger in the starter hole. I can spin the Bendix teeth freely either way really easy. The new one that came with the starter only spins one way... when you are installing the starter are you pushing the bendix back also because mine seems to be all the way at the front of the hole..

[@realityboating454]

@@kensnyder7839 it's a snug fit, chances are if u are feeling resistance you are a little off and not 100 percent straight, you should not be having to force it in or feel like you are pushing the bendix. Confirm starter matches to the one you removed, and take your time installing.

[@kensnyder7839]

@realityboating454 thanks, I actually got it in today, the cooling hose was keeping me from going in straight. Once i took that off, it went right in... appreciate the advice

[@realityboating454]

@@kensnyder7839 glad to hear.

[@Ceb207]

I acquired a 2003 gtx 4 tec and they already removed the starter and lost the bolts. Any chance you know where I can find the right bolts?

[@realityboating454]

The easiest way would be to go to your local BRP dealer. If that is not an option or there isn't one close to you her is another option. Find an online parts lookup like cyclepartsnation, look up your model and then go to the parts breakdown. If your lucky said bolts will be listed with the starter and give you a part number and hopefully the bolt size etc. At that point you can order the bolts from BRP or locate them at your local Autoparts store etc. Hope this helps.

[@Ceb207]

@realityboating454 thanks I found a parts/diagram and I think they are m6 x 25 torx heads. Which I think I might actually have. Been watching your videos preparing for my dive into a revival of some cheap skis I picked up

[@walkthroughskitty]

Why wont the starter line up with the torx bolt holes makes no sense

[@walkthroughskitty]

Its the same exact part makes so fucking sense the holes are not lining up ive taken it out and put it in 3 times now

[@evgeniiby]

Спасибо бро!

[@cubanh22]

👌👌👌👌👌👌👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@arathnido336]

Is this the same procedure for a 2003 seadoo gtx 4tec supercharged?

[@realityboating454]

Procedure will be the same yes. Starter location could vary, just follow your positive lead. However should be same location as in video

[@arathnido336]

@@realityboating454 Thanks. My seadoo won't start. I just replaced the starter solenoid and when I try starting it, it just makes a humming noise for about 5 seconds. No clicks or any other noise. Do you think it can be the starter or something else? All the fuses are good too.

[@realityboating454]

@@arathnido336 could also be the start/stop button. If you can gain access to the wires under the steering pad and do an Ohms test to make sure thatcthe button itself is working.

[@asrich327]

12 hours and 1000 cuts on my hand and arm later, I give up.