Engine cuts out suddenly at high RPM

[bigtexan99]

Great day on the lake today!

When I keep the Sportster under 6k RPMs it performs perfectly. Occasionally, when I take the RPM's up and hold them above 6,500 the engine suddenly turns off. Once the boat stops, I put it in neutral and hit the start button and it starts right back up.

My 1st though was not enough fuel, but if that was the case, i would think that the boat would not start right back up again.

It does not happen every time, but its happened once on each of my last 3 outings. It has happened while going straight, and it has happened after doing some turns. The fuel tank is 3/4 full.

Ideas?

 

[Dr Honda]

What boat is it? Your signature says you have a Sportster LE.

It could be an electrical issue, or dirty carbs... but since I'm not exactly sure what engine we are talking about... I don't know where to start.

 

[bigtexan99]

Its a 2003 SeaDoo Sportster LE 951 (carb), I have a bad habit of miscalling it a speedster sometimes!

 

[T-Roy]

Sounds like an electrical problem to me, too. I had a similar problem, it would act like you hit the kill switch above a certain RPM. Found a loose ground for the MPEM on the engine. Tightened it up, problem went away.

I'd double check the ground from the battery to the block and then the one going to the MPEM.(I'm assuming yours is set up similar to what I have). Check the power line to the coil and also any connections for power.