Cleaning Grounds

[dennison17]

I have a 1999 GTX Limited that runs great. Only problem is after winter storage I have to get the grounds cleaned each year. If I don't... half way through the season it will periodically just stop. Not fun when you are doing 50mph and almost go over the handlebars!

My question is .... does anyone know just where all the ground connections are for cleaning? The dealer cleans them each year and really won't share too much info.... except to say I need to have it done each year to ensure the problem is fixed. BTW... when I do not get the cleaning done... I have had the problem each year....when I have them cleaned, no problem exists.

Thanks

 

[dlowings]

I had a similar issue with my 2000 GTI I downloaded the manual from this this site and traced out the whole electrical system so that I could do my own work... After that I stopped having issues. Things are 100% simpler when you have the full manual..

 

[kustomkarl]

You could follow the ground from the battery to the engine and the other locations of the ground. That would be the easiest way.
The manuals here in our library, are authentic seadoo manuals and have lots of information...

Karl

 

[ski-d00]

there is only 2 ground locations on the motor, the main ground from the battery is on the left side under the carbs toward the rear, just follow the ground wire from the battery, I think it is a 4mm or 5mm allen socket head bolt. the factory usually covers this pretty well with grey goop and generally is not a problem.
the other ground connection is front left under the pipe down low where 3 small ground wires attach. the factory uses a star washer here and covers it with grey goop, also not usually a problem.
my guess is your dealer is only cleaning the battery terminals. if they are cleaning the motor ground connections and were a good dealer, after cleaning them they should recoat them with grey goop and then you wouldn't have to bring it back every year so they could charge you more money.

 

[seadoosnipe]

Winter storage?...

I have a 1999 GTX Limited that runs great. Only problem is after winter storage I have to get the grounds cleaned each year. If I don't... half way through the season it will periodically just stop. Not fun when you are doing 50mph and almost go over the handlebars!

My question is .... does anyone know just where all the ground connections are for cleaning? The dealer cleans them each year and really won't share too much info.... except to say I need to have it done each year to ensure the problem is fixed. BTW... when I do not get the cleaning done... I have had the problem each year....when I have them cleaned, no problem exists.

Thanks

I see your from Washington State. Do you leave your battery in your ski over the winter months?

The 12 volt direct current systems are a nightmare when it comes to keeping good contacts at terminals. Not just battery and grounds but most all connectors. I've made a few posts before that you should go through your terminal connectors at least once a year, especially on the 4-TEC. The corrosive nature of the white powdery stuff is called lead sulfate. When it forms in your connectors, it builds resistance between your contact points, therefore changing voltage or sensor signals causing the engine to run poorly or not at all.

You should remove the battery when not in use over periods of time. Use a terminal protectant to keep them clean and free of corrosion. You can also use baking soda and water to clean the white powder if it gets bad on your wire terminals.

When you pull your connectors apart, you can clean them with CRC or another electrical cleaning compound. Use a rag with this so you don't get the spray all over everything. It's not recommended on computer boards because it will melt away the protective coating. I would not use the CRC or electrical cleaning solvent, unless you have the white powdery substance in the terminal plug really bad. Otherwise, just by taking the plug apart and putting a dab of die electric grease inside, then plugging it back up, will make a good contact point again. This should be done once a season, just to keep from being shut down in the middle of the waterway one time, would be worth your efforts.:cheers: