1992 Kawasaki 750SS Jet Ski, the engine will crank but not turn over and there is no spark. What should I do?

Question

I have changed the spark plugs and used a fuel additive. It will crank but it won't turn over. I tried cranking it with the boot about an inch from the top of the plug and saw no spark. It was dark out so I could see one if there was a spark. It ran fine last year, but just won't start this year. Can you please tell me what to do. I am pretty handy with cars and will try anything. Read where it might be the ignition coil, but is there any way to know for sure. Don't want to just throw parts at it. Thank you, Vang

Answer 1

Don't you mean it will turn over, but not crank? I can't imagine that a motor will crank (start) when it is locked up and won't even turn over.

Ok, well now that we resolved that.....check the power to the ignition coil if it has one, (stator if it doesn't). If that wire is not hot, then it is electrical (like maybe your kill switch not releasing). If it is, it's the coil/stator.

Answer 2

Did you turn on the ignition. Does it have fresh fuel. If you were holding the plug and inch away from the block you won't usually see a spark. The plug must be held close enough to the engine block to cause a grounding effect to the plug.
I don't understand the statement you made saying the engine cranks but won't turn over. If you mean the engine starter engages but won't spin the engine I would suspect fuel lock in the cylinders.
If the engine is cranking over and your getting no fire/ignition make sure the ignition switch is on, your getting fresh fuel to the cylinder. If after making these checks and all appears ok then I would suspect an ignition coil, however, I must tell you the ignition coils are very sturdy on these engines so do a thorough check on the parts you have.
Good Luck

Answer 3

If you held the boot about an inch from the plug no spark will jump that big a gap. Also, check the spark to a good ground such as a head bolt. Just because a spark plug is new doesn't mean it can't be defective. If you used the fuel additive this year it won't help carburator/fuel pump varnish that has already formed, which is a more likely reason for the engine not starting after winter storage.

Answer 4

There is a tiny little button on the left handle bar on the side of the little gray box. If the button is pushed in, it will crank & start, but not run. If the button is missing look for a tiny metal pin. Pull it out with needle nose pliers. Good luck. Happened to us. It's a lock switch for when you are parked on the water and someone tries to start it. It won't.

Answer 5

carburetters grimy,gumed up,and/or the gasoline pumps an identical. i'm advantageous you ran it final twelve months,close it down at end of season and that grew to become into it. for sure it is not getting gasoline by the carb. i'm advantageous this is gummed and could be wiped clean, yet a rapid cheat you may attempt is, supply the carb a sturdy smack on the component with a small hammer. if the drift is caught this many times jars them loose. do no longer beat on it and wreck some thing. if it would not artwork on the 1st attempt. do no longer keep pounding. you should locate why the gasoline isn't getting from the tank throught the carb. A 1992? has it been sitting alongside time?