12 Volt Low display and info on SBT

[Mike Brownen Sr.]

Hello to all and allow me in advance
to thank anyone and everyone willing to help.
I have a 1998, Sea Doo GTX Limited.
Old battery wouldn't hold a charge this summer, so
I purchased a new battery and float charger from the dealer.

Followed all manufacturers instructions to the letter.
Installed properly, and removed after every trip out, and placed on float charge. The battery is testing fine, metering 12.5 on float.
However, I'm getting an indicator on the display that says 12 volt low when I connect the key to start the ski. It starts just fine, and then the 12 volt low display goes away.
Any ideas?

Secondly, Does anyone have any personal experience with www.sbtontheweb.com?

I blew a piston this weekend on the same ski. Knocked a hole in the case.
Not sure what caused it. One piston head (blown one) looks like it ran lean.
Other piston looks fine, especially to be ten years old (167 hours)
Not exactly a PWC mechanic, but I can usually figure things out.

I've already completely disassembled the engine and found one fried piston, cracked cylinder, and major damage to the case, both inside crank shaft area and outer wall. Disintegrated parts of the piston skirt damaged the bearing races on the crank. Basically, this engine is toast. I'm considering purchasing a premium package 951cc from SBT.
Am looking for personal reviews of satisfaction or dissatisfaction with this company. Is it worth it?

 

[seadoosnipe]

Give them a call....

There are several members here who have used them, including myself. I've only heard one complaint from one of our members but I'm not so sure the priblem he experienced wasn't created by him.

They have a 2 year, no fault warranty on that premium engine. I would call them though because with the damage to your engine, you may not have a rebuildable core, in which the charge will be more. Or you may be paying a bit more if they have a bit of machine work to do on yours before they can remanafacture it.

Your question to us on their reputation....yes. But call and talk with a rep about thepurchase and core.:cheers:

BTW....If you continue to get the low voltage, do a test on your charging system. With a voltmeter, you should be getting close to 14 volts DC.

 

[lakedog1]

I had the same problem

I just had the exact same problem with my 99 GTX RFI. Charging the battery gives you about 30 to 40 minutes of run time with no problems and your rectifier is recharging the bettery only intermittantly. Thats why you are not getting the 12V low warning all the time. Your rectifier will fail completely very shortly. You need Seadoo part number 278001241. Search Ebay and Google. I paid about $140 with shipping and my paroblem is solved. Its very easy to chance sitting on top of the black electrical box under the rear storage box under the rear seat. It's a 2 minute job.
GOOD LUCK

 

[Mike Brownen Sr.]

Thanks Seadoosnipe,
I've emailed pics of the damage to John at SBT.
So far the costs for weld repairs aren't to bad. 100-150$
Of course, I do understand that's only an estimate.
Purchasing a premium package today.
I can't check the charging system until i get a new motor in.
So I'm waiting. I really appreciate the input on SBT. It was from reading postings on this site that led me to them.

Oh, btw. Is it possible to reset the "hours" meter after putting in a new motor?

 

[Mike Brownen Sr.]

Thanks LakeDog1,

The display went away very quickly after starting, I ran all day long or at least until I blew a piston and it didn't show again at all. Except when I first connected the key. I'll check that as soon as I get another motor in.

I noticed your here in Va.. Maybe we can go riding sometime. I usually ride on the ICW at Munden's Point, or in the bay.

 

[derek]

read sbt's core policy before you buy! they are expensive when you have bad parts!! it sounds like they will bill you another $1000 at least for your damages. their core charge is HIGHER than their rebuild price. you would do better to buy a bad motor that didn't blow to return to them. you will have about 30 days i think to look into that. good luck. SBT is very good from everything i have heard, but they are core nazi's. oh yeah; 98 is the first year for the 951. get a newer one. not another 98. most new designs have some issues. that motor did.