1996 GTX project.....

**Myself** · 10-25-2022, 09:12 AM

NO, when they've been seriously overworked it ruins the windings on the armature.

**cocacolaxyz** · 10-25-2022, 09:29 AM

thanks for that information. Also noted it is probably an aftermarket starter (black in color). Seems to me I read where aftermarket starters are junk.

**cocacolaxyz** · 10-26-2022, 12:14 PM

Until now, I did not have a PWC with RAVE valves. Previous owner said they were rebuilt. Hopefully they function correctly. It looks like there is a 3rd one on the exhaust can (muffler?) that injects water. Is there a maintenance for that? Before I get too far....I will address starter first.

**Myself** · 10-26-2022, 12:51 PM

The water regulating RAVE has a metal spring clamp under it. Thay commonly rub a hole through the diaphragm. If it has not already happened replace the metal clamp with a thin zip tie.

**cocacolaxyz** · 10-27-2022, 07:51 AM

Originally Posted by Myself

The water regulating RAVE has a metal spring clamp under it. Thay commonly rub a hole through the diaphragm. If it has not already happened replace the metal clamp with a thin zip tie.

thanks for the tip

**cocacolaxyz** · 10-27-2022, 08:03 AM

Now to the bad news. I decided to remove head to find out why engine is harder to turn over during about 90 degree of rotation (abandoning the possible weak starter for now). I immediately spotted a piece of metal in one of the ports on Mag cylinder and vacuumed it out. At that point, I removed the front cylinder. A piece was missing from cylinder wall. I found it along with some other debris and excessive oil in crankcase....vacuumed out. Piston remarkably looked great. Removed PTO cylinder. As suspected....the crankcase had lots of oil in it, so I syringed out all of the excess. PTO piston looked scuffed on exhaust side (will post picture later), but no gouges. Last week....compression was 145 & 155. My guess if previous owner accidently dropped a screw in cylinder. He said he started in driveway, then suddenly it stopped.

Posting pics also showing the looped RV oiler and.....an unknown part (T with red spring loaded release valve) on the cooling hose.

**Myself** · 10-27-2022, 09:06 AM

That thing with the red cap is a flush port......it takes a specific adapter. At this point, I'd yank it for a full teardown as we don't really know where the metal came from.