1997 GSX max speed 35 MPH

[Innkeeper]

Greetings,

I purchased a 1997 GSX with 56 hours, this spring. This is my first ski but have owned Ski-Doos for many years. Everything works well but top speed is 35 MPH. At times it will jump to 45-50 MPH then go back to 35. The ski isn't "bogging", it just appears maxxed out. Any ideas what to look at?

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[nswillin]

Does the engine seem like it is revving up pretty good? High rpms and low speed usually means the wear ring needs to be replaced.:cheers:

 

[JPX]

Conversely, if you are getting low revs (you are not redlining the motor even with the throttle mashed), then you aren't getting fuel delivered correctly in the carbs.

 

[Innkeeper]

I have only had the ski out a few times and to be honest, I haven't checked the RPM's when at WOT. The ski takes off well and gets on plane no problem. I do hear a knock at idle coming from the back, (from the impeller/driveshaft???). I will have it out this weekend and can check RPM's

 

[minisprint44]

Innkeeper the knock you are refering to is normal at idle because of the short pump cone they do make an upgrade to get rid of it.....Sounds like your wear ring is bad.:agree:

 

[minisprint44]

Innkeeper this fixes noise


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/sea-...yZ124115QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[Innkeeper]

trials & tribulations

Sorry about the delay on the update but my ski is located 2 hours away from me so looking into the problem took awhile.

After reading the replies from my post, I had places to start investigating. I first rode the ski and found my RPM's to be way low, maxxing out at ~4800. Once I popped the seat and saw the gray fuel lines, I knew where I would start. Off I went to get new fuel lines and clamps and in I went. The clues starting coming fast as I pulled off the airbox cover and found a mouse nest with acorns included. On one hand I was upset because I was told the ski had been gone through and ready for the season. On the other hand I knew this was a major reason why I wasn't getting the air I needed. The RAVE valves were then pulled and they were filthy as well so they got a good cleaning and reinstalled. I started taking the first carb apart but when I got to the filter it was remarkably clean so I buttoned it back up due to time constraints. I then replaced all the fuel lines and buttoned everything back up and off to the water I went for a test ride. WOW what a difference. WHen I stated in my earlier post that it took off and got up on plane well, I had no idea what I was talking about. The ski jumped out of the water and screamed to a top end speed of ~53 mph at ~6800 rpm. Off on vacation I went happy as can be.

The ski ran great for 3 days with no issues, THEN, I was going WOT and the ski died. It started back up but I decided to start heading towards home since I was along way out. It ran fine but I kept it ~30 mph. I was only able to ride one more time and it did the same thing basically, at roughly 40-45 mph the engine bogged out but I let off and it stayed running. It did this multiple times. I also noticed that "MAINT" was flashing on the digital display. I don't have a manual yet, (on the way). Anybody have any ideas where I should start when I get back to the ski???????????

Thanks in advance!!!

 

[Innkeeper]

Alittle to much rambling on in the last post. I know that I am starving the motor somewhere, which I need to dig into. My question is.......Is it normal for the "MAINT" flashing on the dash in cases like this or do I have a duel problem starting?

Thanks for any assistance

 

[derek]

sounds like you might have flushed a little bit of leftover nassness in the fuel system back into the carbs. might wanna check internal filters again. also, the RAVE valves. that is a 787 or 951, depending on whether it is a 97 or 97.5.

 

[Innkeeper]

Thanks Derek, thats what I am assuming. I need to bring it home to check things out. Do you know anything about the "maint" flashing on the dash?

It says you are from south Jersey, where about? I am riding out of Mystic Island.

 

[JPX]

You can press and hold the Maint or Mode button until the MAINT code disappears. It is usually tied to hours as a reminder for periodic service. By itself it should not be causing the problem you are describing.

Check fuel selector valve as well.