96 bombardier gtx no spark

[Joey2509]

I changed the rectifier and now ski won't turn over. I checked spark by sticking screw driver in spark plug boot and I don't see any spark. Is that the correct way to check?

I checked all 3 fuses in front grey box where rectifier is and all good. Is there another spot?
Any other easy things I can check that could possibly be issue. Btw battery is hood and fully charged. Also I don't get any beeps when key goes in but it cranks hard but won't start.

 

[howie099]

Well you must have it installed wrong on the replacement is bad. I would get the manual and double check your settings.

 

[Joey2509]

I thought it could not be installed wrong? The way the connectors are won't allow it. Again, I am not sure

 

[Joey2509]

I found that one fuse in the box near the battery and it was good. I am still not getting any spark

 

[snikwad003]

Check connections on starter solenoid, if good bridge it with a screw driver and see if it turns over then

 

[Joey2509]

The starter is in that black box next to battery? Also, remember it's turning over just not running and I'm not see seeing spark.

 

[snikwad003]

My bad, your first sentence sez "I changed the rectifier and now ski won't turn over" :cheers:

 

[Joey2509]

Just a recap....its cranking over well but I'm not seeing any spark......I checked 3 fuses in front box and one in the rear black box and all are good. I've tried 2 rectifiers so don't think that's the issue.....I am not getting any beeps when I put it key in but do hear and click in the front area with I hit the ignition.
I called a couple mechanics in the nyc area and the both said they don't want to get involved in trouble shooting electrical problems on and older seadoo.

It looks like it's up to me to figure it. Any ideas, I'm really lost.

 

[100dollarbill]

On my 96 speedster I wasn't getting spark on mag side plug. I trimmed 1/4 in. off the plug wire and put it back into the boot. That fixed it.
To test, take spark plug out of cylinder and with it plugged into the boot ground the threaded end then crank the engine for a second or two. (make sure your ground is good, the aluminum head won't do. We put a wrench on an exhaust pipe bolt and touched the plug to that)

 

[Joey2509]

I was sticking a screw driver into the boot and looking for spark, so I am assuming that's not a good method?

I have read about trimming the plug wire but they really seem to sit nice and trimming does not seem like it would help in go on and tighter.

 

[snikwad003]

Using a spark plug just gives you a consistent gap to see the spark jump. Your local auto parts store probably has a spark tester that has a light bulb in it or one that you can adjust the gap and see how strong the coil is by pushing its limits.

 

[Rmcrabb]

Unscrew the boot from the wire. Trim 1/4" off the wire and screw the boot back on. The wire connection to the boot gets bad an trimming 1/4" will ensure you have a good connection with fresh wire.

 

[Rmcrabb]

Use a spark plug to test for spark. Connect the plug wire to the plug but make sure you ground the plug by touching it to some thing metal (unpainted) on the engine. I usually touch it to a bolt head on top the engine.

 

[Joey2509]

Ok, we do have spark in both! I did get some jolt by not holding plug right but yes there is spark. So it's cranking hard but just not running. How should I logically proceed now?

 

[Rmcrabb]

Did you put new plugs in? If the old plugs are fouled (very black) the spark doesn't jump across the tip it actually travels across the built up carbon and doesn't ignite the fuel.

 

[Joey2509]

Plugs are new

 

[Rmcrabb]

Make sure you check the spark with the plug. Just because you felt a jolt doesn't mean your getting good spark

 

[Rmcrabb]

You're sure you're getting fuel?

 

[Joey2509]

Back to the electrical system for one second. If something like the computer was bad would be at least running but running rough or could it just be doing what's it's doing now with just cranking?

 

[Rmcrabb]

If the computer was bad I would think you wouldn't see spark

 

[Rmcrabb]

Did it run before you changed the rectifier?

 

[Joey2509]

Yes, and put a second one in

 

[Rmcrabb]

Why did you originally change the rectifier?

 

[Joey2509]

I have no idea if I'm getting fuel. How can I be sure?
I changed the rectifier cause it started to bog (but always started)and that fixed it last time
I see the spark arcing when I hold it to the motor so I'm assuming it's a good spark.

 

[Rmcrabb]

I'm sure you've been cranking it over quite a bit. Should be flooded pretty good. The plugs should have been wet with fuel when you pull them out