Trouble Installing new batter in 2011 seadoo gti 130

[burtonjeeplj]

I have a 2011 seadoo gti 130 that needs a new battery. I have already replaced the battery once with no issues. I am able to remove one of the bolts holding it down but not the 2nd one. The 2nd bolt seems to just spin. Has anyone experienced this before? The compartment is so tight so I dont think I will be able to get in there to extract the bolt and replace with a new one. Anyone have any thoughts?

 

[Arkie Bob]

Freespinning fasteners are always troublesome. They require some method of holding them stationary, or they must be broken and removed in pieces. Perhaps some type glue (ie krazyglue) applied under the nut to run into the space where the head's turning? Or cut the holddown strap, remove battery to allow more room to get tools to the turning bolt? And there are "Nut-splitter" tools to shear the nut so it can be removed in pieces. Every instance of freespinning fasteners seems to require it's own unique fix.

 

[skiasylum]

It’s going to be a pain in the butt the nuts are pretty much inaccessible. BRP likes to use these incased in plastic or fiberglass holding nuts quite frequently.

Another good reason if your going to wrench on your own ski to download the particular service manual and read it even for changing a battery. The hold down bolts for the battery holder are one use only and are only torqued to 129 inch lbs.

 

[Arkie Bob]

Mine have a bit different issue. The battery vent tube was left off, (old style wet acid battery) and drips of acid corroded bolt, nut will only go about 1/2 way down.

 

[DavesNotHereMan]

I have a 2011 GTI LTD 155, but the battery is the same.

As you well know, that battery base is way down there. I went in head first and didn’t think I would get out.

If it is just spinning, 2 things to check. 1, did the nut fall out of the bottom of the base and the bolt is attached to nothing. See if it will pull up. 2, assuming no such luck, you will have to capture that nut or you may be forced to cut that bolt with a dremel. I think they are stainless, so that makes it even more difficult. Try to hold the bolt up with some force, wedge a screwdriver maybe between the case handle and the base to try to recapture that nut.

Suggestion: Before you put the battery in, remove the base and run bolts in from the bottom. Jam nut or Epoxy them. Then you have studs that the battery case can slide over. A nut on top cinches that case down instead of bolt.

Sorry, man. Not fun.