6 replies to this topic

[DownbeatDave]

My batteries have a half-life of about 2 days, so after I inspected my batteries I found they needed topping up with water. Since I had to remove the batteries to do this without making a mess, I decided to upgrade the batteries to a single 12-volt since I was in there anyway.

I read the upgrade instructions at:

http://www.angelfire...conversion.html

but there's not mention of how to reconnect the battery cables. Since the batteries are disconnected now, I don't remember how they were originally connected, but I think they were connected in parallel. I think this means that each red battery cable is supposed to carry 6 volts on it. I can't really connect both 6-volt red (positive) cables together and connect up to a 12-volt battery, can I?

What am I misunderstanding?

[TexasA&MSpeedster]

Was it two 6 volt battery? If so, they were wired in series (assuming that it is a 12 volt system). If it was two 12 volt batteries, then they were wired in parellel.

If they were previously wired in parallel, then you should have no problem attaching both hot wires to the single positive post, but they will both be carrying 12 volts, not 6.

[DownbeatDave]

Well, duh! It never even occurred to me that they would use two 12-volt batteries.

I just assumed that they would use one large standard battery if they needed 12 volts. But why would SeaDoo doo this? What's the advantage?

Does each engine have an alternator? Is there a separate charging circuit for each? By connecting them together am I risking both charging circuits if one of them goes south?

[Bob86ZZ4]

Those are good questions, Dave. I have wondered this ever since reading that guys page about converting to one battery. I can tell you that both of the small batteries are 12 volts. The ground cable is connected to both batteries and then to the ground. There is a seperate hot (positive) (red) cable for each battery. I guess that guy just hooked both reds together to the single battery positive. I would like to find out the answers to your questions. I did switch to the absorbed glass matt batteries a couple years ago because the stock liquid batteries were always leaking all over in there due to my spirited driving. The agm ones are very expensive tho.

[tiggerman]

The 2 batteries are in parallel. If you had them in series, there would be 24 volts available. In the 95 models, the cranking system for each engine was isolated from each other, but had a button to press to crank with both batteries. The 96 models have the batteries in parallel. Still 12 volts but more available cranking power. If one battery dies and doesn't kill the other or run it down, you can crank both engines with it and not be stranded or limping. If one kills the other , well, you're screwed. The 97 model has only one battery, with both reds and both blacks connected to their respective terminals. There are two charging circuits, but I dont think you will fry anything by hooking them together. The 97 has 2 circuits as well. If one goes south, there is always a chance something will go poof. But then again, there is always that chance. Remember, both batteries are already in parallel.

[DownbeatDave]

I finally completed the conversion to a single battery. I even used the old rubber battery bases by cutting out one side of each. It's a snug fit. I even got a $6 core refund on each used battery!

I'm NEVER going to remove the oil tank again if possible, though. It was really tough to get the oil filler hose to the tank back onto both flanges and tightened down. I'll try removing the exhaust system, first. It's gotta be easier.

[tiggerman]

I hear ya. I removed the oil tank to get to the seat bolt under the right side armrest, and had a hard time too. Fortunately, my battery is directly behind the right side exhaust cone. Good job with the conversion, put that $12 bucks in your gas tank, and post some pics if you can..