New ski... 1996 GSX

[Bedore]

Greetings all,

Just got a 1996 SeaDoo GSX. It's in very good shape with 108 hours on it. It has had all the fuel lines replaced, a new battery/solenoid? and appears to run pretty well. I took it out today and had a blast.

Anyhow, I just had a couple questions. I noticed the "12v low" was flashing on the display. I checked the battery and it was at 12.1 volts. I took it out and charged it this afternoon and got it up to 12.9 before I took it out. When first starting the ski 12v low flashes twice, then stays out. Is that normal/OK?

The second question I have is it seems to miss around 4k rpms. It's usually during low speed getting out of the channel (headway speed only). It seems to stumble/shake a little. Idles great, and goes like a bastard, but just stutters a little at those slower speeds around 4k rpm. I am going to replace the plugs this weekend, but was wondering if this was normal or not.

Thanks all, and hopefully everyone gets a good summer!

 

[srilla]

i have the same machine, currently rebuilding the engine. the 12vlow flashes on mine constantly. i have heard it does that on many others as well. it never raises any concers no me because i have never been ended up with a dead battery on the lake

 

[bigJake]

i have the same ski and asked the same question a day or 2 ago. you can search for the thread to get the technical explanation but bottom lie was if it flashes a couple times after starting and then stop it is ok.

I'm not a mechanic but based on the issues I inherited with my ski, I would clean the RAVE valves and the carb filters. You say the gray lines were replaced but the previous owner may not have cleaned the carbs. there are threads on the forum with great step by step instructions, it is pretty easy to do. also i sugest buying a manual, best money you'll ever spend. if you are new to pwc as i was there is so much to lear and they need constant maintenance, between reading the manual and reading this forum you will learn alot about how they work. Also make sure you check out the oil requirements, and definitely use a low ash oil, an ashless oil will gum up your RAVES and make them stick. There are some really good technical articles on here describing what the RAVES do but basically they increase the amount of burnt fuel that can be exhausted at higher speeds to increse performance. Your next question will be what oil to use, there have been gunfights over what brand to use, just make sure it is low ash and adheres to specs. personally i use Amsoil Injector. The experts can give you a much better answer for your issues, that is my 2 cents based on similiar problems with my ski when I got it.

 

[srilla]

cleaning the carbs would be a great idea. when i got my ski out this spring, she didnt accelerate at all. i took off the carbs and sprayed them down with carb cleaner and put them back on and she ran mint. even with my balance shaft completly shot

 

[Bedore]

i have the same ski and asked the same question a day or 2 ago. you can search for the thread to get the technical explanation but bottom lie was if it flashes a couple times after starting and then stop it is ok.

I'm not a mechanic but based on the issues I inherited with my ski, I would clean the RAVE valves and the carb filters. You say the gray lines were replaced but the previous owner may not have cleaned the carbs. there are threads on the forum with great step by step instructions, it is pretty easy to do. also i sugest buying a manual, best money you'll ever spend. if you are new to pwc as i was there is so much to lear and they need constant maintenance, between reading the manual and reading this forum you will learn alot about how they work. Also make sure you check out the oil requirements, and definitely use a low ash oil, an ashless oil will gum up your RAVES and make them stick. There are some really good technical articles on here describing what the RAVES do but basically they increase the amount of burnt fuel that can be exhausted at higher speeds to increse performance. Your next question will be what oil to use, there have been gunfights over what brand to use, just make sure it is low ash and adheres to specs. personally i use Amsoil Injector. The experts can give you a much better answer for your issues, that is my 2 cents based on similiar problems with my ski when I got it.

Jake,

Thanks for your response. I forgot to say that when I had the fuel lines replaced, I had the carbs cleaned as well as the whole fuel system, and the charging system checked. It flashes 12v low twice, then it never comes back on. The mechanic said the charging system was good but I want to check for myself. I figured if there was a bigger issue the 12v low would be on all the time, but maybe not? I will check battery voltage, the fuse, and the charging system tomorrow probably.

That said, I already have a manual for it. I will probably spend alot of free time reading. As for the oil I have a local source for Bombardier 2 stroke syn oil, so I will stick with it since it's made to work with these. Like other forums I am on, people can get pretty heated over oil selection, but I run what I run. I know better than to run a TWC-3 outboard oil at least!

Thanks again for your help. I am going to be looking at the charging system to make sure it's in proper shape.

 

[bigJake]

here is the reply I got regarding the low voltage flashing after startup


Some models with VTS, "hang" open when rod magnet gets postioned close to reed switch inside the module.

"The 12v usually will flash after the key initiates, and will stop when the engine starts and creates its own energy. If it continues, your regulator/Rectifier is culpret! Check it for voltage at 5500 rpm, if over 15VDC, its BAD!

Bills86e "

 

[Bedore]

here is the reply I got regarding the low voltage flashing after startup


Some models with VTS, "hang" open when rod magnet gets postioned close to reed switch inside the module.

"The 12v usually will flash after the key initiates, and will stop when the engine starts and creates its own energy. If it continues, your regulator/Rectifier is culpret! Check it for voltage at 5500 rpm, if over 15VDC, its BAD!

Bills86e "

Awesome. I would assume my ski is good to go, but I will double check just in case. Do you by chance know of a guide for cleaning the RAVE valves?

Thanks for your help and thanks for the input srilla.

 

[soccerdan90]

Here you go.
http://www.seadooforum.com/showthread.php?37588-How-to-service-Rave-Valve-Pictorial

 

[bigJake]

i have the same ski and asked the same question a day or 2 ago. you can search for the thread to get the technical explanation but bottom lie was if it flashes a couple times after starting and then stop it is ok.

I'm not a mechanic but based on the issues I inherited with my ski, I would clean the RAVE valves and the carb filters. You say the gray lines were replaced but the previous owner may not have cleaned the carbs. there are threads on the forum with great step by step instructions, it is pretty easy to do. also i sugest buying a manual, best money you'll ever spend. if you are new to pwc as i was there is so much to lear and they need constant maintenance, between reading the manual and reading this forum you will learn alot about how they work. Also make sure you check out the oil requirements, and definitely use a low ash oil, an ashless oil will gum up your RAVES and make them stick. There are some really good technical articles on here describing what the RAVES do but basically they increase the amount of burnt fuel that can be exhausted at higher speeds to increse performance. Your next question will be what oil to use, there have been gunfights over what brand to use, just make sure it is low ash and adheres to specs. personally i use Amsoil Injector. The experts can give you a much better answer for your issues, that is my 2 cents based on similiar problems with my ski when I got it.

Before I inadvertently start an oil debate, I meant to say I use Amsoil Interceptor oil (I think, I get them confused, and I'm also easily distracted by bright colors and shiny things)

 

[Bedore]

Thanks for the help everyone.