Testing the rectifier

[pthompson7]

How do you check a rectifier on a 97 GSX. I continue to get a 12Volt Low error, and the ski won't run for more than 5 minutes. I could use some assistance.

The rectifier is the box located in the front with the clear yellow coating over the circut board, right?


Thanks

 

[leroy252]

Current Test
Proceed as follows:
– Start engine.
– Lay an inductive ammeter on positive cable of
battery.
– Bring engine to approximately 5500 RPM.
Depending on battery charge, current reading
should be approximately 4 amperes for the 717
engines or 5 amperes for the 787 engine. If not,
check magneto output prior to concluding that
rectifier is faulty


Voltage Test
Proceed as follows:
– Start engine.
– Connect a DC voltmeter on battery posts.
– Bring engine to approximately 5500 RPM
If voltmeter reads over 15 volts, regulator is defective.
Replace it.



hope this helps

 

[pthompson7]

Problem

I have a problem Houston, I don't have the hose connection to be able to run the ski out of the water. Where do you buy the hose connector to be able to run the ski on the trailer?

Pete

 

[pthompson7]

Sorry I Have to Do This

I looked through shop manual, trying to find the regulator, but I am not sure what the regulator is. Sorry for asking the dumb questions, but hopefully, that's what this forum is for...right?

 

[Dennis]

Yes, the forum is here to help people with their skis'. The only stupid question is the one you don't ask.
The rectifier is in the front box. It will have 3 yellow wires, a red wire, and possibly a black wire coming from it.

Good luck, DAWG

 

[pthompson7]

Thanks Dennis

I really appreciate you help. I did pull the right thing out. I'll have a look and see if I can't locate one for sale somewhere, and try and get it replaced. I'm not sure how to test if it's good or not though.

 

[Dennis]

There is no reliable rectifier test. The 97 gsx is famous for having bad rectifiers.

DAWG

 

[pthompson7]

Rectifier Change

Do you suppose that changing the rectifier will fix my issue with the ski not achieveing the higher RPS, and dying after only 5 min of drive time??

I also have this other little issue with water splash in the hull. When I open the seat after only 5 min there was water splashed all over in places where you wouldn't expect water to be splashed up on. I havent seen the ski running with the seat off, so I can't see if there is water blowing around.

Would the rectifier effect the idol of the ski????

Sorry for so many questions but I don't have a real solid background with this.

 

[jdff21]

ebay has the

 

[ski-d00]

bad rectifiers/voltage regulators can make the ski do weird things, one of which is run fine for 5 minutes and then run terrible. A good rectifier test is to disconnect the red wire and ride it. It will be running off the battery so you can't do it all day but basically takes the rectifier out of the system.

 

[pthompson7]

Thanks for the update

About how long will that work if I run on the just the black wire in the rectifier? I want to try it, but I don't want to be out in the middle of the lake and have if go nutty on me either.

Thanks!

 

[ski-d00]

if the battery is good, 20 minutes should be no problem, but don't shut it off because it may not have enough juice to restart. you'll have to charge the battery after that.