thejuice48
Active Member
Sorry this post is so long, but it is helping me recall what I did.
After looking at new models, hearing about the problems with the new hulls (their nick name sink-doo as well as issues with cleaning products), and the prices for a new ski, I decided to pump money into the one I have bought and paid for (when it was brand new) to get it on the water again. It is old but had always been reliable until I let a dealership touch it.
To be honest, it has not seen the water since 2015. I had it in the garage replacing the VTS motor because I noticed a battery drain, and found a post online somewhere that it was probably caused by the VTS motor. It seemed rational at the time because the VTS was not working at the time.
If I remember correctly (yes, I should have kept notes) I replaced the VTS motor with a used one. After replacing the window regulator motor on my BMW, I realized the VTS motor is basically a window regulator motor, so I probably could have used one I could pick up for $25.00 brand new with a 2 year warranty. It would be great if someone knew the specs so we could do this!!
Before installing, I tested the VTS motor with a 12V battery I had sitting on the side, and it worked both forwards and backwards. The battery on the ski was already disconnected because it was on a trickle charger. I also noticed my 5A MPEM fuse on the MPEM (the one for the MPEM was blown). I installed a EasyID 5A, so I could see if it blew again.
The VTS I removed was locked.
I installed the replacement VTS motor with water proof connectors.
Hooked up the battery, no beep from the DESS. Thought perhaps the buzzer died.
I went to start it and nothing. Put battery on trickle charger, and it never recovered. Took pictures of starter area to see if bad connection. Did not appear damaged or rusty (kept pictures). Bought new battery, never got around to do anything with it so I drained gas for storage purposes and got busy with my Master’s Degree and other projects more important on the list since I moved from a house on the water more inland.
I now have 3 DESS keys in really bad shape – one that even looks like something chewed off pieces. Not sure which two were programmed to it. A ski that has sat for what feels like eons. Still I should receive at least a long beep indicating wrong key. Cats destroyed the cover, the custom seat cover I had on it, and the hydroturf I installed when I lived in the house on the water with the big garage.
2023-03-07
Why / how could the MPEM make this sound? Does the MPEM store electricity?
2023-03-10
Prior work:
2011-05
Perry Performance Group tuning package
New oil pump
New gas lines
New top end x 3
New racing crank
After looking at new models, hearing about the problems with the new hulls (their nick name sink-doo as well as issues with cleaning products), and the prices for a new ski, I decided to pump money into the one I have bought and paid for (when it was brand new) to get it on the water again. It is old but had always been reliable until I let a dealership touch it.
To be honest, it has not seen the water since 2015. I had it in the garage replacing the VTS motor because I noticed a battery drain, and found a post online somewhere that it was probably caused by the VTS motor. It seemed rational at the time because the VTS was not working at the time.
If I remember correctly (yes, I should have kept notes) I replaced the VTS motor with a used one. After replacing the window regulator motor on my BMW, I realized the VTS motor is basically a window regulator motor, so I probably could have used one I could pick up for $25.00 brand new with a 2 year warranty. It would be great if someone knew the specs so we could do this!!
Before installing, I tested the VTS motor with a 12V battery I had sitting on the side, and it worked both forwards and backwards. The battery on the ski was already disconnected because it was on a trickle charger. I also noticed my 5A MPEM fuse on the MPEM (the one for the MPEM was blown). I installed a EasyID 5A, so I could see if it blew again.
The VTS I removed was locked.
I installed the replacement VTS motor with water proof connectors.
Hooked up the battery, no beep from the DESS. Thought perhaps the buzzer died.
I went to start it and nothing. Put battery on trickle charger, and it never recovered. Took pictures of starter area to see if bad connection. Did not appear damaged or rusty (kept pictures). Bought new battery, never got around to do anything with it so I drained gas for storage purposes and got busy with my Master’s Degree and other projects more important on the list since I moved from a house on the water more inland.
I now have 3 DESS keys in really bad shape – one that even looks like something chewed off pieces. Not sure which two were programmed to it. A ski that has sat for what feels like eons. Still I should receive at least a long beep indicating wrong key. Cats destroyed the cover, the custom seat cover I had on it, and the hydroturf I installed when I lived in the house on the water with the big garage.
2023-03-07
- Washed crud & mold build up off outside so it won’t be so disgusting to work on
- Found reverse cable locked & badly frayed (was locked when I fixed VTS, had one sitting in storage)
- Found steering locked (was crunchy when I replaced VTS motor)
- Found throttle cable disconnected (don’t recall why)
- Found choke cable locked
- Replaced reverse cable
- Ordered new cover w/3 year warranty
- Bought PB Blaster & Sea Foam Deep Creep
- Sprayed choke connectors on carbs, and basically everything inside I could reach, including the throttle cable & let sit
- Couple of hours later, came back out, choke cable now working (not locked) & throttle cable working, but not smoothly – not auto retracting
- Searched for a throttle cable online, couldn’t find one
- Ordered steering cable
- Ordered reverse handle (screw stripped and brass grommet came out of plastic)
- Checked 5AMP EasyID fuse manually on the MPEM (for the MPEM). Did not appear blown.
- Plugged 5AMP EasyID fuse back in and the MPEM made this sad little drawn out pheeew sound.
Why / how could the MPEM make this sound? Does the MPEM store electricity?
2023-03-10
- Ordered start/stop and VTS switch covers (noticed cracked)
- Ordered battery (door to door delivery)
- Ordered new VTS just in case used one is shorting something out
- Ordered buzzers (non-OEM)
- Ordered new starter solenoid just in case
- Ordered new DESS key (should at least get beep from post)
- Installed new/lightly used steering cable
- "shims" that go in on the cable at the rear to keep the cable from coming through the nut were the wrong ones, but I used the old ones
- Seated those with some very thick grease so they wouldn't fall out as I was installing the cable with the outer lock nut
- VTS and buzzers arrived
- Start/stop & VTS button covers bad
- Started to remove grips to inspect actually buttons behind covers & install the covers
- Bolt head snapped off the bolt going into the retaining clip
- Grip on this particular side was in bad shape from boat rope chafe, was able to just pull right off.
- Otherwise I would have cut it off
- Forced upgrade to more stylish grips
- New starter solenoid relay should arrive
- New reverse handle should arrive
- Battery should arrive and then the troubleshooting starts
- New key should arrive
Prior work:
2011-05
- New jetpump
- New impellar
- New push thingy inside the impellar
- New rave valves
- Removed stickers
- Buffed / sealed
- New HydroTurf
- New seat cover
Perry Performance Group tuning package
New oil pump
New gas lines
New top end x 3
New racing crank
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Make sure the mag harness is plugged in and making good contact. Pull the fuse going to the trim and leave that alone for now. Might even want to disconnect the trim plug. Focus on one problem at a time. Good Luck.
