98 GTX Limited

[Racerx40]

Hello - I recently purchased a 98 SeaDoo GTX limited. It runs well but the initial start-up with the chock on takes a bit before it starts. After that it starts up very easily all day. The only thing I have done is put in new NGK spark plugs. What could be causing this issue. Also, after 5 trips to the lake am getting a low battery light warning when I start the engine but it goes out after start-up. I checked the battery it showed 12.54 volts. I suppose I need to check and see what the voltage is when cranking the engine and what it is at 5000 rpm. I saw in another thread this product is know to have stator problems. Any additional info would greatly be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Triorieel]

haha, I own 2 of these...and they are having problems, but I don't think anything specific to the model.

Low voltage is normal when seadoo is not running. I would check it while running just to feel safe. As long as the voltage is greater then batteries standing voltage...it is charging.

You have an accelerator pump. Its intended purpose is to add fuel when you WOT (Wide Open Throttle) from idle. It's alternate unintended awesome purpose is a primer. When I go to start mine, I turn fuel on, pump throttle 5 times, then start with choke. Much MUCH quicker to start for first time of the day and saves on the starter components. Not doing the priming trick is probably why I killed my bendix mentioned in next sentence.

The only stator related issue I had, was when my bendix exploded sending shrapnel into the stator/magneto area. This would blow the 15A fuse in the mpem until I cleaned out the flywheel/magneto area. Once cleaned out and bendix replaced, it was good to go (stator was fine).

 

[Triorieel]

When you installed the new spark plugs...did you gap them properly? Too big of a gap will make it a bit harder to start.


Note: I edited the previous message, I forgot the choke step for starting.

 

[Racerx40]

Yes - I set them at .030 and I believe that was on the high end of the range.

 

[Triorieel]

I think they are supposed to be 0.020. But try that priming thing I said, it will make a huge difference.

 

[Racerx40]

Thanks ! I will give that a shot - using the accelerator pump to start next time. I may replace the battery since it is more than a year old, it was little low in a few cells and I added some distilled water.

 

[Racerx40]

Thanks again ! I'll double check when I get home in a few minutes, I have the manual in PDF format. I can resolve this quickly if I made a mistake.

 

[Racerx40]

OK I didn't remember correctly. The manual calls for .020 to .024 which I did set them on .024

 

[Mickirig1]

Put a volt ohm meter on the battery when it is running in the water. Should be 13.5 to 14.5 . It is charging with those voltages. Be advised that the cheaper lead acid batteries do not last long. i get 2 seasons out of them. I always put the automatic charger on them before we sally forth to the lake.

 

[Racerx40]

I only seem to have 12.84 volts when the engine is running with hose hooked up. The battery has 12.43 volts w/o engine running. The battery is well over a year old plus it won't take a charge. I am getting a low volt idiot light while starting too.

 

[Mickirig1]

Has to be a volt or two over twelve to charge.