Rectifier - dead jet ski

[ahargrove]

Hello all.
I am trying to find out why my jet ski (1990 spi) will not do anything. I have tested the solenoid and it is fine. The next thing (I think) is the rectifier but I don't know what it does or how to test it. Based on what I have read in the manual, the speed limiter wouldn't keep the jet ski from doing anything so believe that is not the problem.
The starter seems to be fine and I can turn the motor by hand so I am confident the problem is electrical.
Any advice that anyone can share would be greatly appreciated.

One more thing, when I was turning the motor by hand, it was fairly tough to turn, is this normal? I am a beginner so am learning as I go.

Thank you,
Andy

 

[Dr Honda]

first... turning by hand will be hard. Take the spark plugs out, and try. It should spin free that way.


Try this... use a pair of pliers, and jump the 2 big terminals on the solenoid to see if the stater kicks. If it does, then figure out why the solenoid isn't getting power from the starter button. If it doesn't... it's time for a new starter.

(This is assuming all the electrical connections have been checked)

 

[Bills86e]

SO you know, a RECTIFIER changes the A/C current the Magnito produces into D/C
current, so the CDI can use it & battery re-charges.

 

[ahargrove]

I tried putting the pliers on hee solenoid and it turned over but now my solenoid is locked to the on position so everytime I hook up the battery it starts turning the starter. How do I fix this?

 

[Dr Honda]

Is it locked, or does it engage when the battery is hooked up? (do you hear it click?)


If it's locked... it may have been your issue in the first place.

This may sound a little hack... but give it a few good whacks with the handle of a screwdriver. It may drop back down, but it sounds like the plunger inside is rusted, and locked up.

 

[ahargrove]

Locked. I'm using a jumper pack with an on/off switch and when I turn it on the starter starts turning. At least I know the engine and starter turn.

 

[ahargrove]

Great news.....I figured out it was the start button....and the solenoid unlocked!
Thanks guys!
I'm sure I'll have more questions soon enough.
Thanks again!

 

[voodoo]

Because you are new I will pass along an idea that has saved our family a lot of breakdown drama, mix premix gas in a 5 gallon can 40-1 the first tank each season and put tape or a mark on the oil tank filled about halfway, once you get the ski started at home and things look pretty good there take it to the water but not all the way the fisrt time, leave it on the trailer and dip it enough to have the pump in the water - use the last side ramp or go when it is not so busy, start the motor and let it run, check for any leaking anything oil, fuel, water, return to the parking lot for repairs and dip again same way, things are looking good now - check the charging voltage at the battery should see 12something idle, lift the throttle a bit to get the juices flowing and feel the warmth of the water hoses so you know what goes where and check the voltage again with the throttle lifted a little look for it to go around 14something - if it goes past 14.5 there is a overcharging regulator that will dry out the battery as well as load down the motor too much preventing high speed fun, once you have seen all this in action go for a ride and when you get back in check the oil tank mark to see if the OEM oil system is drinking, after you have this verified just gas and go have fun.