How to Troubleshoot a Polaris Sl650

Polaris, a company that makes snowmobiles and ATVs, used to manufacture a line of personal watercraft, including the SI650. The company discontinued the line in 2004, but many are still ripping up the water each summer, and you can still buy them on the used market. Problems can arise from time to time as with any other mechanical product. Knowing how to troubleshoot a problem with your Polaris SI650 may get you back on the water quicker and cheaper than if you let the problem go unchecked.

Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the SI650 from the water using the trailer you transport it on or a carpeted dock. Remove the key from ignition and disconnect the battery.

    • 2

      Inspect the engine intake and remove any visible items that could be obstructing it. Garbage, reeds or other foliage can get caught on the intake screen and prevent or restrict water from entering the engine.

    • 3

      Open the engine compartment, remove the battery and connect it to a voltmeter. The voltmeter will tell you if the battery is holding a charge. If the voltmeter has a "load test" feature, activate it to see if the battery is holding enough of a charge to start the SI650.

    • 4

      Remove the spark plug cable, then remove the spark plug from the engine. Inspect the spark plug, looking for cracks in the ceramic top of the plug. Replace the spark plug if it is cracked. Otherwise, clean the bottom of the spark plug with a wire brush, re-gap the plug using the correct gap tool and reinstall the spark plug.

    • 5

      Inspect the fuel and oil and look for water. If the gas has a sour odor, it could be an indication that water is seeping into the gas system. If so, the engine will need to be bled and the source of the leak found and fixed.