I have a 97' 400 sport that i can't get to start, it was run through a canal and got submerged in water while running. i have since rebuilt the the upper end and changed all the fluids, but it just backfires when you try to start it. i was just wondering if anyone had any ideas on how to check the ignition parts individually since they are all the ones that were on it when he sank it. any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

come on guys, any advice would be great, i don't really have any idea on how to check that stuff.

 

you say it back fires?
take the plug out and touch it to the block. Does it have good spark? If so, it's a fuel problem. Also, check the play on your throttle, is there alot of play? if so, adjust the play on the cable. let us know what your results are

 

i checked for spark, it seems fine, i'm just not sure if maybe it could be getting spark but not consistantly or something like that. i'm not sure what you mean by "play in the throttle" it seems normal.

 

I would remove the cover around the recoil (pull starter) and then remove the flywheel to see if anything in the ignition might have gotten damaged.

 

everything looks ok and i cleaned everything while i was in there. is there a way to check the exciting coil to make sure its operating correctly? oh and i just made sure the timing marks were lined up, is that right?

 

Yeah sounds to me like you checked almost everything. Did you think to check the CDI box, I think it's mounted around the top of the oil tank. It could have gotten wet and shorted something out.

 

yeah i looked at it but i don't know how to check that stuff to make sure its working correctly.

 

Talk to polarisfreak, he's good with these things, also Bubba297 is a GREAT guy and REALLY know's his stuff, maybe they can put you right on the problem, sorry I couldn't help ya.

 

thanks, i appreciate your help. i'll contact them and hopefully we'll get it hammered out.