1997 GTX No Power

[norcalatver]

Hello,

I am looking to buy a 1997GTX from a friend of mine. It has sat for four years without running. My buddy bought a new battery and nothing happens. There is no power to the gauges, no power to the starter, nothing. I checked the three fuses and they all look great. The inside of the ski actually looks almost new! It has very few hours. Could the lanyard possibly be the culprit? I heard it has to be programmed or something? It use to work great. I personally have ridden it a couple times. Any help in the right direction would be appreciated.

The next question is I am also looking to buy his 1995 XP. It has also sat for 4 years but it starts. Its problem is it idles at almost full throttle without pressing the gas. The cable does not appear stuck as it moves freely.

My buddy is asking $1,700.00 for both with a real nice tandem trailer. Is it worth my while to try to fix these? I know they both ran when they were parked.
Thanks for your time
Dave

 

[kustomkarl]

It is possible that the battery cables are not getting a good connection, or the ground going to the engine by the starter area isn't a good connection either. It has to have 2 beeps to be able to start. It is possible the lanyard of cap is dirty too and not communicating to the MPEM,( Multi Purpose Control Module). Use soap and water and dry it good so it will have a good connection. Don't use anything sprays or grease on it, just wash it and leave it along. Check www.nada.com go to "boats" and put in the information for the book value.

As for the one starting and revving high, it should idle at about 3000 rpm's while running on the hose and 1500 in the water while under load from the water. If it is still high it might be a air leak around the carbs allowing it to get too much air in the mixture.

Karl

 

[norcalatver]

Thank you. It was the lanyard cap. it is dirty.

 

[Buckey321]

simple fixes

Wow I am amazed at how klukcy I have been with some simple connections fixes. I just bought at 1998 GTX in great shape with 175 hrs . at start of year we could not get it to fire. I simply disconnected the fuses and made sure they were clean and one was rusty. POOF it started. Yesterday it started to bog with the kids on the tube. I had no idea and assumed the worse. last night I tried to go again and sure enough same lack of power, Today it started up fine POOF but after 20 minutes just seadooing with the kids on the back sure enough no power and even worse id sputtered out and Nothing.

I took battery out and replaced it as It was fully charged and not the propblem. But when I tried to start it all I got was a quick clicking inside that black ignition box and i BELEIVE IT WAS THE IGNITION COIL. iT WAS NOT THAT RELAY. ANYWAY i TOOK OUT THE BOLT/SCREW AND ALL three of the wires that it was holding down were rusted. a bit of steel wool to renew that connection and I was back in business.

Basically speaks to how finicky a poor connection can be.

 

[jhjesse]

That sounds great bucky.
Make sure you use dielectric grease on those connections or you will be back in the same position soon.

 

[kustomkarl]

You'd be surprised at how many electrical problems I run across on this forum. About 80 % of the failures are from corrosion of electrical components or wiring related.

Karl

 

[Buckey321]

truly a lesson learned on keeping connections clean and dry. MY office manager was telling me that they are at it constantly as they are in Salt water with a bigger boat and corrosion is a constant challenge.

Our biggest problem here is we have gone from 3 dealers to 1 and their service is awful as there is no competition within 100 miles. I am amazed at how poor service is in this business as my boat which is not a Sea Doo is at another dealer since Jesus wore a robe