Tried to sink my GTX

[kryhavoc]

I have long enjoyed riding PWCs, but until this summer had never owned one. I went ahead and bought a 1997 GTX, which seemed to be in good condition. Initially it ran well, but the battery seemed weak. That evening, because of darkness, I left the ski floating at my dock. When I returned the next day, I found that it had taken on a fair amount of water. (Reading over some posts in this forum, I have determined that unlike boats, jet skis are not meant to float at a dock.) I tried to start it, but was unsuccessful. I hauled it out, drained the water, replaced the sparkplugs, and charged the battery. Unfortunately, my efforts were for nothing. I couldn't even get the two beeps. Today, I bought a new battery, but before installing it, I plugged in my key, and got the two beeps, but the battery was still showing a weak battery. Should I go ahead and replace the battery? Have I really goofed this thing up by letting it sit at the dock overnight? Thanks for your help!




, and have not been able to get the ski to start since then.

 

[JPX]

Look near the battery where there is an electrical box. The spark plug wires run into it. Take the box out of the bracket and open it up. You probably filled the eletrical box with water and it either blew a fuse, or is simply shorting because of the water infiltration.

Drain out the water (shop vac?) and then dry out the electrical components with compressed air or a leaf blower. If there is corrosion, then dismantle everything, clean and reconnect.

Give it another crank and see what happens.

And these skis in good working order can sit overnight without a problem. But if the carbon ring or any of the boots/plugs are leaking, then if can fill up with water overnight. We've had a 96 GTX and a 96 HX in the water for a week straight (riding in between) without problems.

 

[kryhavoc]

Thanks for the advice. Unfortunately, when I opened the small black box next to the battery I found that it was bone dry... or should I say fourtunately. I also checked the fuse, and it was intact. At this point, I have replaced the battery, am still getting two beeps, but is now showing 12v low on the panel, and is not starting. Where should I go next?

 

[kustomkarl]

Check the ground wire going to the engine near the starter. It should be clean and getting a good connection. Be sure the battery wires have a good connection too.

keep us posted.

Karl

 

[kryhavoc]

Again, thanks for the advice. Is the Ground Wire the small black wire connected to the negative post. If so, this wire is clean, and firmly attached. Is there a next step?

 

[kustomkarl]

Check all the connectors for a corroded connection somewhere. Next step is to see if the charging system is working properly.

Karl

 

[derek]

if showing 12 low, new batt may just need charged. how deep on engine did water get?

 

[seadoosnipe]

Battery and magneto?

New batteries for skis, normally need to be charged for 12 hours before use.

If you took on a fair amount of water and your showing a low voltage light, there is a good possibility that your magneto got water in it. This isn't un-common but needs to be started and dried out as soon as possible.

Charge the battery and continue to try and start the engine. Dont worry about the low voltage light for the moment. You say you get the 2 beeps, that signals your ready for a start.

The most important thing after dropping the engine low into the water is to run it. Dry it out. Then, you can worry about the low voltage light. If the stator got wet, it'll dry itself out when you run it.:cheers:

 

[shingadaddy]

My battery showed 12 volts when checking it with a digital meter. Problem is when you try and start a ski and you may hear clicking, the battery voltage is DROOPing so fast and coming back up that the meter doesn't react fast enough to see it. I have even bought new batteries that were bad. :banghead:. THe battery may not be able to supply the needed amount of current. Charge it or jump in a known hot battery. (NOT FROM A RUNNING CAR!! Leave the car or other type of vehicle OFF so it's charging system can't pop your ski electronics. )