98 GSX Limited - New and frustrated!

[lakergrad]

Hello everyone!

Before I post my questions, just wanted to say thanks up front, as this forum looks like a great place to seek suggestions. So, thanks.

Yesterday, I picked up a 98' GSX w/951. I had the guy start the ski in his driveway and all seemed fine. When I dropped the ski in the water, it would start, but then sputter and did not have high-end power. Basically, it would just stall if I tried to give it gas. It also beeps one long beep about every 3 minutes or so and sometimes flashed the 12v warning light.

Today I drained all the gas and replaced it with fresh, including a bottle of fuel cleaner. After checking all the fuses and voltage at the battery (12.6 when not running), I took it to the water again. At first, it acted no different. Then it seemed to all of a sudden cut loose and rand great. The loud beep continued, but I had some speed. Then it stopped again and began to sputter.

I pulled it back out and checked the voltage at the battery without running. It was still 12.6 or so. I then fired up the ski and checked the voltage at the battery while running. It was 12.6 or so again.

This is the craziest part. When I started the ski out of the water to check the voltage, I had forgotten to replace a plug wire on the front cylinder. However, the ski did start and idle. I then tried to start the ski with the back plug disconnected and the front connect (basically reverse of what I had just done). The ski would not start. I checked the spark at the front cylinder and it is good.

Oh yeah, the VTS is blowing the 7.5 fuse as well.

So.....

1) Am I dealing with dirty carbs or a faulty voltage rectifier?

2) Ideas on ski starting on one cylinder and not the other?

3) Is the VTS fuse issue common to faulty VTS units?

Thanks and I look forward to any help I can get. I'm starting to think I was ripped by this seller......

 

[kfx4001442]

Exhaust leak, maybe? I had a similar problem. That was the cause for me. Exhaust gases leaking inside the ski, and smothering the engine out. Try riding it with the seat off and see if it acts any different. That should tell you if you have an exhaust leak.

 

[JPX]

1) Am I dealing with dirty carbs or a faulty voltage rectifier?

Most likely dirty carbs.

2) Ideas on ski starting on one cylinder and not the other?

Bad spark plugs - I had one that was dead. The engine wouldn't run when that plug's wire was connected (other grounded). But it would the other way around. Try swapping spark plugs and see if the engine runs then. New plugs. And if the problem is still there, plan on new spark plug cables. A short term fix is to yank the boot off the plug wire and trim back 1/4" from the wire tip. Then reinsert into the boot and ziptie it on firmly. Wire tip could be corroded - so this puts fresh copper on the boot connector.

3) Is the VTS fuse issue common to faulty VTS units?

Fuse blows due to overload condition on the VTS circuit board. The board can be damaged by water infiltration into the VTS module during a floodout.

I'm starting to think I was ripped by this seller......

That possibility always exists.....but probably not intentional. They wanted out of the hassles of owning a PWC. Hell, I've had that feeling MANY times.