Looses Power

[stuartwthorn]

Loses Power

I have a 2005 Seadoo Sposter and, after running it for while (45 minutes?), it suddenly goes to half power. It then stays at half power until I let it "rest" for a day or two, at which point the whole cycle is repeated. As for clues, the engine does seem to get pretty hot, though my observation is simply based on opening the compartment and feeling a lot of heat (with a little steam) - which may be normal, for all I know. My dealer can't duplicate the problem, because he doesn't run the boat for forty five minutes - he just tests it for a few minutes and says it runs fine.

Help!

 

[seadoosnipe]

Engine....?

You don't specify which engine you have. The Sportster for that year had 3 types engines. Two 4-TECs and one DI.

As for your problem, I'll assume it's the 4-TEC, since it's the most popular. You say your dealer/service people can't find the problem? Are they OEM certified. It sounds to me your EMS ECU is going to limited throttle response beacuse of a problem in the motor. Could be a faulty sensor, but with your observation of heat and steam, I'm going to err on your side that you have a problem. The mechanic should be able to read your engines memory by connecting the VCK up to a computer using the B.U.D.S. software. There, they can view all the parameters of the motors past operation. Sort of like looking on a graph........so, I wonder if these guys are even qualified to work on it. If you've got the 951 DI motor, then it should have thrown a code, which in that case, you should see that in your info center.

Oh, BTW, VCK (vehicle communication kit) is the link between the motor and computer. B.U.D.S. is the Bombardier utility diagnostic software program the computer uses to communicate, change parameters and moniter your problem, even when the ski is running. ECU and EMS are the terms used for the "Engine Management System and the ECU is the "Electronic Control Module". These are the onboard systems that are monitoring your engine and and using the mpem (multipurpose electronic module) interpreting what to do as far as making minute changes to keep you operating in optimum conditions. For instance, when the water is cold and the motor too, the EMS knows this because of the sensors, so it will tell the engine to run with a higher fuel mix to warm the enginel. Once the engine starts to warm and conditions change, then the EMS will send signals for other changes to take place.

This engine is a top of the line, completly self sufficient engine until a sensor or something electrical or mechanical goes beyond the reach of their ability. Depending on the type problem, the EMS will either limit the rpm to about 4500 or put you in "limp" mode to get you back to the pier. If it's severe, the motor will shut down and not let you do squat till it's repaired.

I hope this helps explain that "Joes mom and pop shop" isn't a place to take your Seadoo..........the mechanics have to have the necessary "Seadoo" tools to troubleshoot and repair your motor!.............:cheers:

 

[stuartwthorn]

Thanks!

I appreicate your reply ... I am (obviously) not very mechanical, and the fact the boat may be kicking into "limp" mode based on sensor activity is something I wasn't aware of but makes a lot of sense ...

In defense of my mechanic (who, coincidently, is named Joe), he has now sent the boat to a dealer who has the computer diagnostic capabilities you refer to.

Based on what you have explained to me, I am more optimistic we will zero in on the problem as result of applying these diagnostics ... thanks again for your input ...