12/97 GTX Lim.Start problem

[crisso]

Hi.New member from Oz.I,ve been reading this forum for a while and am amazed at the great answers and friendly people.It's great to see.Anyway.Have got and 2nd hand ski for the son and have a few niggly problems.Label says its a Dec.97 model GTX Limited.130 hours.
1.At about 3000 rpm the water from the telltails,just below the tow hook,is quite warm.You can only leave your hand there for a few seconds.The ski does not have any warnings or beeps about overheating.I am only comparing this to an outboard motor.and they are cooler.
2.When the ski is running I get 1, 2 sec. beep about a minute apart.Have read this is either low fuel or charging.Tank is full and all fuses are good.Yesterday,the 12v low flashed up after about the 3rd start-up of the day and then did not come back.3 hours of on/of running and then the ski would not start.The solonoid(I think) in the black box at the rear of the ski,clicks each time the start buton is pressed but the starter motor will not crank.I get the 2 beeps when the cap is put on and with the cap off,press the start button 5 times,get a long and short beep,replace the cap and get no beeps.I read this is correct.Swapped battery for a known good one and there was no change.
3.The starter motor is new(6 hours)And for the life of me I cannot get to the thing to check the power leads for tightness.Is it on the port side under the carbs and expansion chamber?
Sorry it's such a long post but am trying to descibe the problems accurately.
Thank you in advance if you can help me.

 

[chillholm]

HI

1. Remember it's a small 2 stroke so the water will probably be warm.
You'll soon know if the thing is overheating.

2. Yep you're right the starter is where you described it. Because the 951 is mounted on an angle it is bloody hard to get to!!!
We've got a 99 GtX and that 12 volt low flashes every time you start it then goes away....I have a new battery, have checked the rectifier and all is good so I don't worry about it.

Just remember if the starter gets too hot because you're kickin it over and the motor won't start there is a cut off that stops the cranking so you don't fry the starter BUT after it cools it will continue to start....at least thats what it has on the 99 model.

Good luck.

 

[crisso]

Thank you for your help.Is the the cut-off on the starter,mechanical or electrical.Mine wont even crank over.The relay clicks when the start button is pressed.The ski is running fantastic,but the starter wont crank

 

[chillholm]

Re:starting

Hi

Sorry it's not really a 'cut off' switch, probably more like a solenoid.

Here is a run down for Starter Symptoms:

Could be one of the following:

A burnt 5 amp fuse on your MPEM housed in the front of the ski under the storage compartment.

Dodgy contacts on the starter.

Check that your lanyard cable in firmly in and that it is clean.

Check the solenoid on the electrical box found at the rear of the jetski and that all cotacts are clean and dry. Even though its clicking it could still be faulty. Make sure no water gets into this box.

Make sure your ground leads are all good.

If not your starter switch could be dodgy.

Don't want to play devils advocate but it could still be the starter motor, yea its been rebuilt but sometimes they get it wrong, you never know maybe get that checked from the people who rebuilt it.

 

[crisso]

Mate this is great help to single things out.All is dry,no fuses gone,starter is brand new, not a rebuild,battery still has 13.2 v.As far as I can work out it has to be a starter lead/connection problem.The start/stop switch still functions properly.Only one thing.The starter relay has 2 terminals.One from the batt. and the other from the relay to the starter.The relay clicks when the button is used.I have power to the starter from both terminals of the relay.Shouldn't the relay/ to starter, power lead,not have power untill its engaged?Or untill the start button is hit?Your help has been great.TY

 

[chillholm]

Yea...??? Not sure>>> I would be inclined to replace the relay/ solenoid...it shouldn't cost much and then try. With these things it really is a process of elimination, so keep at it the more you can do the less it will cost you if you have to take it to a mechanic and he wastes his/your time and your money going over things you've ruled out. Maybe replace the leads whilst you're at it. It's a pain in the ass job BUT once done will mean thats one less thing to do and more reliable. Goodluck.
Have you got a workshop manual??? Might help.

 

[Bills86e]

lay a wrench across the two terminals on the solenoid. If it doesn't crank, its bad.
(solenoid) Become a member here and get a manual, Its pictorals are Sweet!

 

[crisso]

Thankyou so much.I've tried to be careful with this.The last thing I want to do is fry anything.I'am a mechanic but all the help is great when you are on somthing new

 

[crisso]

Ty Chill.You are right about process of elimination.I need to do this step by step.Your help has been great.