98 GSXL running rough/oil in hull

[RailHomie]

Hey guys, my name is Patrick and I just bought my first jetski yesterday. It's a (as the title says) 1998 GSX limited, and it has the silver engine.

It starts right up immediately with a touch of the start button, but it runs quite rough and sounds almost like there's a clanking noise (though not too loud). The guy I bought it from said it starts running better once it's been running for a little bit, and it runs smoother in the higher rpms. He said he has no idea what's wrong with it and didn't want to fool with it. He seemed to be legit.

Now, since I've had it, I took a little time to inspect it (I've never even looked at the engine compartment of a jetski before, but I have experience with engines in general) and the first thing I noticed is that it looks like the accelerator pumps were taken out (a squarish hole on top of each carb), and also, when I stuck my hand under the engine, it was just a pool of oil and nastiness in the hull!

Oh, and any secrets on how to find parts that are dropped in there? I was stupid and unclipped the rave valve vacuum cover and of course the spring went flying...into the engine compartment.

ANY help with what could be my issue would be greatly appreciated.

Note: it still has the gray fuel lines, which I know I need to replace.

Thanks!

 

[RailHomie]

Bump for some help, please!

 

[cbjrumble]

I wouldnt worry to much about the oil in the bottom of the hull, seems like every late 90s seadoo has oil in the bottom of the hull. Just make sure your oil tank isnt leaking and your probably fine. As for drops tools in the bottom you can use one of those magnet rods but its still pretty hard.

I learned along time ago the best way from losing tools in the damn thing is put rags down around where ever im working so when I do drop them the rags catch them before they get to the bottom.

 

[JESSECONSOPOLUS]

man i found a spring in the bottom of mine the other day. so thats where that goes!!!!! hahahaha:cheers:

maybe that is why mine wont run anymore!!!!

 

[RailHomie]

Hah, thanks for the replies. Good to know that the oil shouldn't be a problem, but man it's nasty sticking your hand down in a pool of dirty oil and feeling around for a lost spring, haha.

Any ideas on the rough idle? I'm planning on replacing the fuel lines and cleaning the carb filters first, then seeing how it goes, but I'm thinking it may be something more severe. Also, what's the deal with the accelerator pumps being taken off (if that's what they are)?

 

[bigler]

Yeah well the GSX is hard to find fallen parts under the engine. i worked on an xp 2 weeks ago and its so much easier on that thing the way its set up. i would use a magnet rod like stated before. the oil is something that WILL happen to every ski eventually but if there is as much as you say there is, i would just check for leaks. follow the oil line and make sure the zip ties are still tight and in good shape. then, buy some engine cleaner fluid. i bought some of this and dumped it into my GSX and scrubbed it down inside. then flushed it with water and the inside looks brand new. that engine cleaner stuff is really good because it cuts right thru the oil, and it made my engine compartment smell like a pine tree.

and if your gas tank is fairly full from the previous owner, i would put a can of seafoam in the fas tank. i had idle problems and couldnt get mine to stay runnning when i got mine. i checked the gas tank and it was full from like a year ago. the seafoam fixed it prefectly.

 

[RailHomie]

Awesome, thanks for the info. I have a couple things to try now. Definitely starting out with simple things first!

 

[peridot0283]

Yeah well the GSX is hard to find fallen parts under the engine. i worked on an xp 2 weeks ago and its so much easier on that thing the way its set up. i would use a magnet rod like stated before. the oil is something that WILL happen to every ski eventually but if there is as much as you say there is, i would just check for leaks. follow the oil line and make sure the zip ties are still tight and in good shape. then, buy some engine cleaner fluid. i bought some of this and dumped it into my GSX and scrubbed it down inside. then flushed it with water and the inside looks brand new. that engine cleaner stuff is really good because it cuts right thru the oil, and it made my engine compartment smell like a pine tree.

and if your gas tank is fairly full from the previous owner, i would put a can of seafoam in the fas tank. i had idle problems and couldnt get mine to stay runnning when i got mine. i checked the gas tank and it was full from like a year ago. the seafoam fixed it prefectly.

How did you clean out your compartment without damaging anything electronic? I have a mold problem in my hull.

 

[RailHomie]

I would think you wouldn't have to worry too much about getting things wet in there. It's made for the water (as it seems important things are sealed up). Just don't do it when anything is on, I'd say. Someone correct me if I'm wrong...

 

[cbjrumble]

The two biggest problems with mositure is in the hull is getting some in the carbs and rust.

 

[RailHomie]

Yeah, so I too everything apart to get to the fuel lines and pulled the main fuel line (from the front filter to the front carb). After I got it out, I realized that there is no way I'm going to be able to fit the 1/4" fuel line I bought onto the fittings. It definitely needs to be 5/16". I know that there are other lines that the 1/4" will fit, but I shouldn't have wasted my money on 22' of 1/4" line. Guess I'll check everything myself instead of trusting a forum, haha.
I'll try to post up what it ended up taking for all the 98 GSX owners out there.

 

[bigler]

well if you check every post in these forums, everyone will say 1/4 inch. i used 1/4 inch and it worked fine. you really have to stretch it on some spots but it makes a really tight seal

and when washing out the inside, just avoid areas like the MPEM as much as possible. and the carbs are kinda touchy also but when you are done washing it out, i would take an air hose to everything and get the moisture out of all the important areas like the carbs and electrical components. but yes, these machines are designed to handle a few splashes in the engine compartment so dont worry too much about getting things wet.