MPEM Swap 96 GSX

[Vandy34]

Last question that may be my hail mary for this jet ski. 96 GSX has bad MPEM (P/N 278001047). This MPEM is the combined CDI/MPEM box instead of the separate modules. If I purchase either the earlier model MPEM (P/N 278000897) OR the model previous to this (P/N 278000510), am I able to swap the entire boxes and get my ski running again? Only asking because I do have the 510 MPEM box laying around my shop at the moment from a part out ski a while back. The 510 MPEM is from a 96 GTX.

Thanks guys,
Jake

 

[etemplet]

If it all plugs in I'd be tempted to give it a try. People are real proud of those parts so you'll sure save a lot of $$ if it works. Good Luck

 

[artr]

I agree with etemplet. The mpem part 278000510 shows up as compatible for a 96 GSX. Before swapping it out I would test the input drive signal to the coil with a test light like the video in the older post showed. The signal should be the same with either box. If the test light does not show a signal, then either the internal cdi is blown or there is not continuity between the signal wire that comes out of the 278001047 mpem that drives the input to the coil (may be a harness problem from the box to the coil).

 

[etemplet]

I agree with etemplet. The mpem part 278000510 shows up as compatible for a 96 GSX. Before swapping it out I would test the input drive signal to the coil with a test light like the video in the older post showed. The signal should be the same with either box. If the test light does not show a signal, then either the internal cdi is blown or there is not continuity between the signal wire that comes out of the 278001047 mpem that drives the input to the coil (may be a harness problem from the box to the coil).

Good Stuff. Do you have a link to the old video? I've never seen it. Do you just test this signal at the coil?? I have a few gray boxes and I'm not getting rid of any of them. LOL Shit is GOLD now.

 

[artr]

I only tried this when my cdi was not working (due to lack of 12V to it). I think you put the test light on the white wire input at the coil and ground the other lead of the test light. I'm not sure if the cdi is not connected to the coil you would see a signal, the cdi probably needs to see the load of the coil so that current flows.

 

[etemplet]

I only tried this when my cdi was not working (due to lack of 12V to it). I think you put the test light on the white wire input at the coil and ground the other lead of the test light. I'm not sure if the cdi is not connected to the coil you would see a signal, the cdi probably needs to see the load of the coil so that current flows.

Great Video !! Thanks for sharing

 

[soccerdad]

I got my 96 gsx with that mpem to run with a 96 gtx box. You need a different harness though. I didn't hook up gauges for the test though. Not sure about them. To get it to run you only need the connection to the motor, the start button and the Dess if I remember correctly. I used the GTX harness. (then once I knew the motor could run, I bought the odd GSX one from @minnitonka4me But that was a few years ago. It was twice the cost of a standard MPEM

 

[Mattrm]

I just installed the aftermarket mpem from bay area powersports in a 96 XP. It didn't come with wiring diagram but they emailed it to me quickly.
Install went well and the ski fired right up. It was 159 plus s&h

 

[etemplet]

A couple of years ago I did some research on the aftermarket MPEMs and talked to some knoweledgeable personnel. Had a fun discussion about why people say they don't work. I wouldn't steer anyone away from buying one and am intersted in the results. It's just a circuit board with common components. I think that $1000 looks a whole lot better in your pocket than theirs. Good Luck !!

 

[themk]

Do the aftermarket MPEMs run the LCD display? I realize that carbureted 2-stroke MPEMs are pretty simple, but I thought it had a couple of more functions beyond just controlling the ignition timing.

A couple of years ago I did some research on the aftermarket MPEMs and talked to some knoweledgeable personnel. Had a fun discussion about why people say they don't work. I wouldn't steer anyone away from buying one and am intersted in the results. It's just a circuit board with common components. I think that $1000 looks a whole lot better in your pocket than theirs. Good Luck !!

 

[etemplet]

I'm not sure but I'd call the manufacturer for that kind of info. I would think that the aftermarket MPEM would be designed to function as the orignial. The system is are not that complicated.

So you didn't replace the CDI on the inside cover, just the MPEM? Just for information nothing more.