97 GTX MPEM testing

[BobDoo1967]

Hi,
Just joined the other day. finally !! Pretty cool site. I have had my 97 Xp and 97 GTX now going on 19 years . I have the factory manual that I purchased with the Seadoos. I am just starting to get into the mechanical side of owning a SeaDoo ( a little late ) after what happened to me . I took my GTX in to get Carbs done (it would start ), and 6 hours later I get a call saying the carbs are done, but you have no spark. I don't ride my Doo's nearly enough and I have very low hours . So I found that to be weird something electrical would go out. Shady ? Rather pay more money, I chose to find the problem myself. FYI Motor turns over , I did multi-meter test on the small negative wire from the coil and it was fine.

I chose to take out the MPEM and check the Fuses, all the fuses were good. I see the price is $904 for a new one. What would be the procedure to test the MPEM? I know I am a newbie , I appreciate your time

 

[IDoSeaDoo]

Search around, there are threads on testing mpems. There is also the used and aftermarket. Minnetonka4me is a reputable used parts guy on this site

 

[BobDoo1967]

thank you , will do

 

[soccerdad]

So does it turn over hitting the start button, or just by jumping the solenoid? Do you get the two beeps? Is it that you are just missing spark? Give us a touch more info and we can help. Usually these issues are bad ground wires or other dirty connections. Open up everything and check all the connections. It is a good place to start. That MPEM may be pricy, but [MENTION=41828]Minnetonka4me[/MENTION] will have one. He also will test yours or let you send back one purchased from him if it does not fix your issue (small restocking fee). So more details and we can help.

 

[Minnetonka4me]

Yup what he said... But typically a sudden no spark issue is the voltage on the battery is low when cranking. Charge up the battery and retry.

 

[BobDoo1967]

yes , Soccerdad ...2 beeps, turns over with Start button, just missing spark ! I am using a spark tester from Harbor Freight . I will go over all connections again. thank you

 

[howie099]

So you took a running pwc to dealer or shop to get the carbs cleaned and after they fixed the carbs they tell u it won't start? Well I wouldn't pay them for the work if that is the case.

Especially if they can't tell u why it doesn't have spark now what kind of shop are they?

 

[Mickirig1]

When you check connections / clean and junction plugs. look for green powder and crud. Make sure you protect them with Dielectric tune up grease.Put some in the junction plugs and cover connections with it. You can buy a big tube at auto part dealers. Ground connections are a big problem. Make sure the battery is fully charged. Pull the choke fully out when you try to start. It max's the vacuum to pull fuel into the carbs. Batteries last about 2 seasons most times.

 

[BobDoo1967]

Thank you for the post, nearly broke my hand fighting a bulldog off my Labrador 2 weeks ago. Anyways I am back to working on my 97 GTX. Checked all fuses and put back my MPEM. Now at least I have a weak spark when it turns over. Today, after work I will check voltage on my Battery and connections. Thank you

 

[Mickirig1]

No problem! Ask away, we are here to help anybody with a Ski.

 

[IDoSeaDoo]

yes , Soccerdad ...2 beeps, turns over with Start button, just missing spark ! I am using a spark tester from Harbor Freight . I will go over all connections again. thank you

You know, I once bought a ski from a marina. They didn't know why it wasn't getting spark and sold it CHEAP. Turned out to be a corroded coil ground. It was only a 2" long wire, but it turned the whole ski into a kayak.

 

[BobDoo1967]

thanks , Battery checked out at 12.85 with out being on a charger for several days. I believe 12.5 is low limit . I will inspect all ground wires tonight. Is there any ground to the Motor itself? if so, I do not see it. If my connections are ok , how do I check my coil with a multi meter. The shop manual says to use a Seadoo 6 pin adapter which of course I do not have.

Thanks again

 

[IDoSeaDoo]

If it was your engine ground, your motor would have trouble cranking. You can always check that with a jumper cable. Check your rear electrical box, lots of times water gets on there and corrodes all the connections.

 

[BobDoo1967]

cool, silly question , Thanks now I know, checking rear electrical after work.

 

[soccerdad]

Check out post 59 of Shamu thread. Use a bolt instead of the self tapping screw for the ground connection screw. http://www.seadooforum.com/showthread.php?75579-96-GTX-Project-Shamu&p=450753&viewfull=1#post450753

 

[BobDoo1967]

that's a great idea. Pretty cool project that Shamu !