1997 GTX Battery weak

[cloudmaster_321]

1997 GTX Battery was replaced to start the season. It's a good Duracell 310CC 18AH battery. I'm finding that the battery needs to be topped off in order to crank this motor over. If i start and stop the engine more than 5 times or so, it will no longer turn the motor over. Just seems like this motor takes a lot to turn it over. Engine runs normal when started.

Is there a bigger capacity battery that will fit? I've been searching, and have found a Lithium 500CCA with a 20AH rating. I have verified charge voltage; though it seems to not be consistent. I do have a new OSD regulator installed. I even went as far as installing a waterproof volt meter to the top of my glove box to monitor voltage. At idle, I get about 13 volts. At cruise, 5K rpms or higher i typically get between 13.5-14volts.

I can recheck the red wire out of the regulator, and check for continuity to the battery. I did have 14volts coming out of that. Perhaps my Stator is not putting out as good of current as it should, but i thought those are either it works or it doesn't.

I can replace my ground cable for good measure.

What else?

 

[Grim]

with 13.5 to 14V you should be good, mine tops out at 13.4V at 5K and I don't have any issues with it starting. I have just a regular battery, not the cheapest but not the expensive ones either. Have you load tested the battery, it is free at Walmart service centers and auto parts stores. In my experience a ski should crank over more than 5 times in a setting.
I will say that seadoos can be unique and stubborn, you may have one that likes the juice, that may be a worn starter? or worn cables?

 

[artr]

I would fully charge the battery an had it load tested. Even though new and a name brand it may have a defect and not hold the charge. If the battery checks out then I would look at the regulator and charging circuitry. Your regulator voltage might be low according to the shop manual. The manual also has tests to preform like measuring charging current and stator coil resistances.

 

[cloudmaster_321]

I would fully charge the battery an had it load tested. Even though new and a name brand it may have a defect and not hold the charge. If the battery checks out then I would look at the regulator and charging circuitry. Your regulator voltage might be low according to the shop manual. The manual also has tests to preform like measuring charging current and stator coil resistances.

I have completing the stator winding resistance testing, no issues. But that's cold. I don't know if something changes when it heats up. I've always suspected my charging may be intermittent, but haven't narrowed down why yet. Either way, i'd think a fully charged battery could crank the engine more than 5 attempts before not being able to turn over any longer. I'll charge the battery, and then get it load tested by Batteries Plus, see what they say.