97 GTi runs then falls on its face, but stays idling...

[DRUSS25]

Hey guys,
I'm new here and am having problems with my GTi. I tried searching and found some info but I need some more help.
OK here goes...
I bought this jet ski last summer and the guy said it does this once in a while and he had the carbs cleaned and the prop re-worked (thought maybe it was over-reving). Now I'm having this issue too. It will start right up, idle fine and half throttle seems to be fine but when I pin it, it will go for a little bit and then fall on its face, but will not die. It will still idle and I can punch it again and it does the same thing. Also, every time it does this, the fuel gauge reads empty, even with a full tank. I don't have a fuel leak or anything like that.

I've read that the fuel lines deteriorate and gum up and clog the fuel filters (there are 2 filter, right? One in the carb and one somewhere else?) Or could it be my pick up tube clogging up? What do you guys think?

Any input is greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Dan

 

[Seadoobuddy]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

Do you still have the gray tempo fuel lines, if so, then change them to black auto lines ASAP and add an in-line fuel filter if you don't already have one.

There is a white filter under the hood or up front that can be cleaned. The other little filters are in the carbs, clean/replace them when you clean/rebuild the carbs. I don't know if clogged lines are causing your problem, but a clogged line can make it run lean and toast the motor. So do this then report back.

If the gas tank has sediment in it then at the empty or near empty mark it could be sucking up debris and also clogging things up.

 

[DRUSS25]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

Do you still have the gray tempo fuel lines, if so, then change them to black auto lines ASAP and add an in-line fuel filter if you don't already have one.

There is a white filter under the hood or up front that can be cleaned. The other little filters are in the carbs, clean/replace them when you clean/rebuild the carbs. I don't know if clogged lines are causing your problem, but a clogged line can make it run lean and toast the motor. So do this then report back.

If the gas tank has sediment in it then at the empty or near empty mark it could be sucking up debris and also clogging things up.

Thanks for the reply! I haven't really ran the fuel tank down to empty or even past 1/4 tank so I don't really feel like its debris. I ran a can or 2 of sea-foam through it this past summer to and that didn't really seem to have much of an effect on it.
But how do you explain the gas gauge dropping down every time this happens? That kind of throws me for a loop...

 

[Strizzo]

the symptom sounds like bad fuel lines and clogged filters, but from what you say about the fuel level dropping to zero is interesting. is it possible someone put the wrong fuel baffle in and its too close to the bottom of the tank? if the clearance is very close to the bottom of the tank, it might not be able to flow enough under the bottom of the baffle, and pull the level down inside the baffle until it hits empty (thus the gauge level dropping) and then starves for fuel.

sounds really unlikely, but possible maybe?

 

[Minnetonka4me]

^^^totally possible.

Additives will not fix clogged carb filters...

 

[DRUSS25]

Yeah...and maybe they are 2 separate problems, but it seems like they occur at the same time so they have to be related. My first instinct when it happened for the first time was fuel filters, which definitely makes sense, maybe I'm just over thinking this.

I don't have them out quite yet (I live in Michigan) but I am actually looking to sell the jet skis and trailer I have but don't feel right selling someone this without it running right, although I don't really want to dump a bunch of money into them.

So I guess my first step should be to check into what fuel lines are on it and change the fuel filter(s).
And one thing that I'm unsure of still, are there only the fuel filters in the carb? Or is there an inline filter also or one somewhere else or what?

Thanks guys!

 

[LouDoo]

Here's a thread that explains your problem.

http://www.seadooforum.com/showthre...el-Delivery-Problems-low-revs-bogging-surging

Lou

 

[DRUSS25]

Thanks a bunch guys! I changed all of my fuel lines and took the carb. apart and changed the filter/screen in there and it ran like a champ! I have ran it three times without any problems I was having!

 

[Seadoobuddy]

Druss25 - where about in Michigan are you located?

 

[DRUSS25]

Druss25 - where about in Michigan are you located?

Around the Bay City area.