Sea-Doo 951 Starter Motor 12V 9T | Fits RX XP GTX GSX LRV, Kawasaki & Polaris | Replaces 278-000-987

This starter motor is for personal watercraft: 12 volt, PMDD type, 9 tooth pinion. One part number set covers three brands. You will see it on Sea-Doo, Kawasaki Jet Ski and Polaris machines.

OE Reference Numbers

Primary reference: Sea-Doo 278-000-987

Sea-Doo also lists 278-001-937. Kawasaki cross references: 21163-3702, 21163-3709, 21163-3712, 21163-3714. Polaris cross references: 3240110, 3240281, 4010675, 4060118

The catalog cross references are Lester 18330, Sierra 18-6295 and J&N 410-54000

People find this page by typing Sea-Doo 951 starter motor, Kawasaki Jet Ski starter, Polaris SLT starter motor, PWC starter or 12V PMDD watercraft starter

Reference Specifications

System voltage: 12V, as stated in the product title

Type: permanent magnet direct drive (PMDD)

Pinion: 9 teeth, a figure catalog publishers list for 278-000-987 and its Kawasaki twin 21163-3702

Which way does it spin? Clockwise (CW), going by the catalogs that list 278-000-987

The gear measures about 11.6mm across, and the mounting hole is 7.7mm, unthreaded

Fair warning, though. None of the three makers has published these figures officially. They are catalog-sourced numbers, so hold them up against the unit you just pulled out before you commit.

Fitment and Purchase Checks

On the Sea-Doo side, you are looking at the 951cc machines, the GTX, GSX, RX, XP, LRV and 3D DI models built from 1998 onward. Over at Kawasaki it spans the 650, 750, 900 and 1100 Jet Skis, while on the Polaris side it takes in the SL, SLT and Genesis series. If you've got a two-stroke PWC from that era that clicks instead of cranking, this is very likely the part.

Why This Unit

Now the honest part. Specs come from compatible replacement listings, not from factory drawings from any of the three makers. The pinion and mounting details are the same across these applications, but confirm against your removed unit before ordering. Count the teeth, check the gear diameter, hold it side by side. It takes five minutes and it's cheaper than a wrong order.

For Buyers and Distributors

Buying notes, because these questions come in every day. Warranty is a full 6 months. Orders start at 20 pieces. A normal batch needs about two weeks to leave the factory, and a few days more now and then when the line is busy. Salt-water corrosion protection is baked into the standard build. Need RoHS, REACH or ISO9001 on the paperwork? Say so and it goes in the box. For a price, mention the engine you are working on, the number stamped on your old unit, the quantity and the destination port. Someone here usually replies within a couple of hours.

Aftermarket notice

This listing is an aftermarket replacement part supplied by StarterStock. We are not affiliated with, authorized by, or endorsed by any original equipment manufacturer. OE numbers, model names and brand names are quoted for identification and fitment matching only, and remain the property of their respective owners.