93 Yamaha Wave Runner 3

[Bill Collector]

Neighbor just got this ski running. They changed the battery and now when they hook up the battery the engine starts turning over as soon as you touch the battery with the hot wire.<br /><br />I haven't checked it out yet but sounds like wiring from selenoid is backwards. Anything else that can cause this? He told me it doesn't matter if the lanyard is in or not and I'm thinking it's totally wired backwards from the battery or could the selenoid just be shot?

 

[RandyJ]

Re: 93 Yamaha Wave Runner 3

To my knowledge, the lanyard only grounds the ignition to short out the coil which only acts to kill the engine when running. I had a similar problem when trying to start one of my waverunners. Apparently a low battery can cause one not to crank but still burn the contacts in the solenoid. I'd replace the solenoid and feel 95% sure I was making the right decision. I've seen old wave runners rigged with solenoids used on old Fords or riding lawn mowers and work just fine. <br />By the way, since this original post I realized that the lanyard also connects power to something because it makes my fuel gauge work when I hook up the lanyard. But, I don't think it has anything to do with activating the starter, only in energizing the electronics, starter button or solenoid would just about have to be the cause.