1999 GTX RFI won't start. RAVE?

[dlahmann]

Originally posted in wrong category. Sorry 'bout that....
99 GTX RFI. (787 motor). Intermittent problem is now permanent.

Every once in a while (hot or cold) when you pushed the start button, it would try to turn over, but stop. If you tried it two or three times, it would eventually "catch", turn over fine and start fine. Thought I had a battery "dying". Battery at a solid 12.7V. Then (though no "low voltage" warning light) I thought maybe I was getting into rectifier going bad. Tested it today on trailer. Solid 13.4V at 5500 RPM. Take it to the lake (2 hrs later). Nothing. Push the starter, tries to turn over, won't go. Almost like too much compression. So, I pulled the plugs tonight when I got home (thank god for two machines so the trip wasn't a complete bust) I pulled the plugs, hit the starter, and it turns over just fine. Put the plugs back in. Nothing. Like it can't handle the compression. So, my question is obviously: "how come"? Is there some sort of compression release that isn't working? Is it a stuck RAVE valve (not letting the exhaust out)? I have successfully gotten the "rear" (pto end) Rave out, and cleaned it up real good. Removing all of the carbon, etc. However, whats the trick to remove the front one without tearing apart the exhaust riser? I took it all apart, removed the bellows and everything. Still can't seem to get valve body past the exhaust. Hints? Suggestions? Again:

- good battery
- will not turn over with plugs installed
- turns over free and easy with plugs pulled.
- fuel pump is acting normal. (runs approx. 1 sec when key attached).

Thanks, and I appreciate any help.

Dwayne

 

[dlahmann]

solved.

ok. figured out the RAVE removal. (Had some gasket in the way). All cleaned up and I learned something, as I didn't realize this was a regular maint. item. So, it's all not lost. Put it back together, went back and measured 12.07V. Guess that's why it'll turnover with no compression. :banghead:

Guess we're off for a new battery in the am and checking rectifier again. This rectifier "failure" has me worried.... The local Sea-doo mechanic has a theory that if you don't change the failed rectifier, you'll end up burning up a stator. That is big bucks I don't have... Makes sense I guess... If you're not controlling that AC power off the stator correctly I guess in theory that could cause a problem...

 

[dsanders16]

Are the symptoms of a bad recitifer and gunked up RAVE valves similar?

I've been trying to figure out the problem with my ski for some time now, and mechanics will always say the valves are the problem, but they're spotless right now.

Thing will go into limp mode, flashing MAINT, sometimes a see a 12V Low, not always though. I'm beginning to suspect an electrical problem though.

 

[seadooya]

stuck raves wont contibute to hard starting.

 

[dlahmann]

Sounds more electrical to me. Based on the various posts that I've read. That flashy low batt and limp mode light sounds more like the rectifier issues... Do you have access to the service manuals? Check out section 08-03 (Electrical) for procedures on testing rectifier. Yeah, I was taking a uneducated guess on thinking a stuck RAVE was what was causing my problem. Like I said. Least I learned about the maint routine for the RAVE valves.

 

[dsanders16]

Sounds more electrical to me. Based on the various posts that I've read. That flashy low batt and limp mode light sounds more like the rectifier issues... Do you have access to the service manuals? Check out section 08-03 (Electrical) for procedures on testing rectifier. Yeah, I was taking a uneducated guess on thinking a stuck RAVE was what was causing my problem. Like I said. Least I learned about the maint routine for the RAVE valves.

Yea, I have the manuals.

I just did the rectifier test, engine off it read 14.8V, then when I do the actual test and bring it up to 5500RPM, it goes down to around 12V, so I don't think I have a problem there.

Guess I should just take it in and have the MPEM codes read.

 

[seadooya]

change the rectifier. Just a few wires to unplug.

 

[dsanders16]

change the rectifier. Just a few wires to unplug.

Well, according to the shop manual, since it didn't go over 15V when I had it at 5500 RPM, then it shouldn't be the problem.

I check it again, it pretty much remained steady at around 13-14V when I revved it up to 5500RPM.