94 XP - Hard to start / not running

[DockRocker]

I rebuilt the carbs with OSD kit and installed new fuel line from OSD. I did not change the needles, seats, or springs. It ran great the first day for about 1 hour. It is hard to start and get it running fast. Seems like it is flooding and fouling the plugs. It runs good when I get it up the speed and running fast. Now it will start on the trailer, but it will not start in the water. I am thinking its getting too much fuel. Any help where I should start first? TIA!

 

[tvanoverloop]

I just picked up a 94 XP and sounds very similar to yours. My compression is low, like around 90 in each cylinder. Starts easier out of water or with less weight on it in the water. I plan to rebuild soon but hoping it gets through summer, just cross fingers every time I need to start it. I have a lift so I almost always start it on that first out of water when cold before starting it in the water and driving it.

 

[DockRocker]

Any suggestions? Should I replace the needle valve and seats with Mikuni needle and seats? Also on the OSD parts website, it lists the OEM needle and seats with the Seadoo number 270500241 and there is another listing for OEM Mikuni Needle Valve (1.5 Push-In type) Viton, OSD1015V. Which should I order? My Seadoo starts on the trailer but will not start in the water.

 

[AKnarrowback]

What is the compression on the engine. Get a good quality tester, pull both spark plugs, when you crank on the starter hold the throttle wide open and keep cranking until the needle stops climbing but not longer than ten seconds.

Typical hard starting problems in the water, but not on the trailer, are an indication of low compression which can only be fixed with motor work.

Get those numbers and guve us a yell back before spending anymore time or money on anything else.

 

[DockRocker]

I did check the compression before I rebuilt the carbs about a month ago. The compression was around 135-140. I did install a rebuilt SBT motor about 15 years ago, and it does not have very many hours on this engine. I would take it out every year a couple times, just to keep the gas fresh. I think the problem is the carbs. When I cleaned the carbs I did not replace the needle valves and the seats, and I used the same springs. The last couple years, it has been hard to start after letting it sit for a while in the water after running it. I think it is getting too much fuel or flooding the carbs while sitting.

Should I replace the needle valve and seats with Mikuni needle and seats? Also on the OSD parts website, it lists the OEM needle and seats with the Seadoo number 270500241 and there is another listing for OEM Mikuni Needle Valve (1.5 Push-In type) Viton, OSD1015V. Which should I order?

 

[Mraw]

I think the one with the seadoo number might just be the seat and the needle is sold separately but im not sure, I would shoot them an email to confirm