96 GTX No power no start

[Irrumater]

I took my 96 GTX out on the water for the first time this week. After a couple of hours running great it just stopped. Riding, came to an idle to allow someone to catch up and poof dead in the water. ended up towing back to trailer. Now it has no juice, doesn't try to turn doesn't click, no beeps or lights when attaching DESS key, absolutely nothing.
Now that I am home double checked battery and it was fine, recharged just to be sure. Still nothing. I get nothing when I cross the Solenoid bolts as well.
Thoughts? Solenoid? I am at a loss here.

Thanks

 

[Irrumater]

Well I feel dumb. I went back out to check some connections and when I moved there Negative cable I realized it moved a bit to easy. The Terminal broke off where it connects to the starter. Now to find a new terminal and re attach.
Seems like it shouldn't break that easy but it is old. Maybe I had it too tight.

 

[Ckrawiec]

Don't feel dumb....electrical problems are the most frustrating things to chase.....always start with the simple stuff....wiggle and jiggle everything.....loose connections, broken connections, corrosion.......test whatever you can, then double check......the problem is NOT always hard...but on older skis you can't take anything for granted.

 

[Irrumater]

I noticed when I put the battery in to leave that the strap did not hold in down tight. I went to the garage to devise a way to hold it tight ( 2x4) and guess I got distracted and forgot all about it. Jumping wakes etc must have bounced it around pretty good to break that terminal in half and disconnect it the way it did. Easy fix but frustrating that I could have prevented it

 

[Ckrawiec]

I noticed when I put the battery in to leave that the strap did not hold in down tight. I went to the garage to devise a way to hold it tight ( 2x4) and guess I got distracted and forgot all about it. Jumping wakes etc must have bounced it around pretty good to break that terminal in half and disconnect it the way it did. Easy fix but frustrating that I could have prevented it

Ah yes...the loose battery issue......unless you get the exact right size for the ski, the battery can be shorter which means it doesn't nestle into it's holder very securely and it can bounce around if the strap isn't holding it snug. I once bought a new battery and it came with a plastic extension that fit inside the battery location and raised the battery to the correct height whereby the strap was snug....live and learn.

AND for God's sake....focus man......NO DISTRACTIONS

 

[Irrumater]

New ground cable built and installed yesterday and started right up.