97 GTX not starting...couple of questions

[bronco_remy]

Hello all, first post for a complete PWC noob. Just bought the 97 GTX.

It started and ran when I looked at it, won't start now.

It turns over strong.

I get spark at both plugs and the plugs are gapped properly and new. When I had the plugs out I turned the motor over while I had a clean rag over the plug port and I got compression and the rag stayed pretty clean (no oily sludge that I was dreading)

I've read about the gray fuel lines. The previous owner replaced all of them with automotive black. I have not taken the carbs off, but I did get down to where I can see them. When I press the accelerator I do not hear the hiss of the fuel coming into the carb that I expected to (I am thinking of my old quadra-junk four barrel that made a heck of a hiss when you pulled on the accelerator linkage and listened for the fuel) First question, should I hear the tell-tale fuel hiss in the carbs when I press the accelerator?

Second question, every so often the beast gives a little pop or mini-backfire out of the back and it spits some water out. Where is that water coming from? The big white barrel looking muffler, I would guess. I cannot help but feeling dread at seeing that happen.

Any other ideas would be appreciated. Hoping I did not buy a lemon......

This is a great forum.
Bronco_remy

 

[Nate Surveyor]

From your statement "When I press the accelerator I do not hear the hiss of the fuel coming into the carb that I expected to.."

I say that you are not getting fuel into the carbs. I'd dump a tablespoon of gas down the carbs, and see if it fires up.

Question 2:

I'd say that the water was coming from the exhaust cooling system. I would expect that you are trying to start it OUT of the water? that is residual water from the last time it was in the water.

Don't run it for long like that!

As soon as it fires up, kill it. There are parts that are designed to operate in the water, in that thing.

So, I do not see any major problems, (based on your post), but suspect you are not getting gas. Maybe move the fuel select to reserve, prime it through the carbs, and test it again.

One more thing, is that FIRE can be a serious threat, with the recipe above. Be sure you have a source of fresh air and are in an open place. Folks have burned their boats and shops before.... :ack:


I suggest a large box fan, blowing over it, in your yard, and dribble a little gas down the carbs, taking care NOT to spill any INSIDE the craft!

Best Regards,

Nate

 

[bronco_remy]

Thanks for the reply.

Yes, trying to start it out of water in my garage before we go to the lake. I have water hose with adapter on it connected to the 'Doo ready to turn the water on it if fires. The owners/users manual said to turn the water on after the engine was running.

One thing I did not write before was that I tried to get it to go with ether and the beast still did not fire-up.

When I did not hear the gas in the carbs I thought it might be starved for fuel.

Glad to hear that the water spitting is not a major problem.

Thx,
BR