brk is right on when testing for spark. One thing I would NOT advise is using starter fluid/ether in a 2-stroke engine. Although it might give you a temporary start, it's doing more damage than good most of the time. Where are you located? I might be able to take a look at it if I can free up some time.
When it sank, was the engine running, or did whoever was driving it manage to kill the engine before it sucked in water?
Quote:
Originally Posted by brk-lnt
Sorry for the confusion.
Remove the spark plug from the cylinder (probably want to do this for each cylinder).
Reattach the spark plug wire (because you probably had to remove it to get the plug out).
(Make sure the wire is DRY so you don't get a shock (it's not severe, just startling).
Hold the wire, and make sure the outer metal part of the spark plug is touching an unpainted metal part of the engine.
Crank the engine. You should see the spark jump across the electrode of the plug. Usually the spark is pretty visible, but still you probably don't want to do this in bright sunlight.
Also, this is a statement of the obvious, but by doing this test you're igniting a spark in open air. If the bilge of the 'ski smells like gas fumes, it's probably not the best idea to do this test  |