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Newbie Questions - 97 Challenger 1800

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Hello All! New Jetboat owner here - Just recently purchased a 97 Challenger 1800. LOVE IT! Got her out on the water this past weekend and put her thru the paces. Was very impressed but have a few minor issues/questions and hoping you guys can help a newbie out. :)

1. Anyone know a good service center for Jetboats in OKC? I saw one and won't mention the name but there are several complaints about the service department. So hoping someone can point me at a really good (reasonably priced) service center for her.

2. The fuel gauge doesn't work, I'm told this is a known issue w/these - is that true? Was told, I can get it fixed but the fix may only last a season or two.

3. Out of curiosity - what am I looking at for 'service' and/or 'tuning' to keep things running great?

Any other 'gotchas' or advice anyone has who has owned one of these please share! :)

Thanks!!

Dan
 
#2. Normally nothing more than the float and an updated magnet. Very cheap to fix and it will last years and years. Whoever told you it would last a season is mistaken. There are cases where the fuel baffle and or an internal fuse goes bad. But the float is almost always bad...
 
#2. Normally nothing more than the float and an updated magnet. Very cheap to fix and it will last years and years. Whoever told you it would last a season is mistaken. There are cases where the fuel baffle and or an internal fuse goes bad. But the float is almost always bad...

Thanks CoastieJoe! Glad to hear I was misinformed and this is a simple/cheap fix!
 
Cut the fuel float open in specific area, remove the diode and replace with solid wire or solder. I had this problem on both my Seadoo's. Search for repair procedure with pictures, its an easy fix.
 
The diode is a common issue and also a pretty easy fix. I would have to find the page but we do have the How To here at the site.
 
Welcome to the Forum Dan, of particular importance to owners of Sea Doo boats looking to keep them in good working order is obtaining a copy of the Shop Manual for your boat. It contains very specific information and all the answers to issues that will commonly arise with owning one of these boats and you'll need it for reference when asking repair questions on the forum.

Regarding your fuel gauge, the most common cause is simply a saturated float that no longer traverses the range of the fuel baffle. You can use an OEM float or there is an aftermarket available for about $15.00 that works just fine. You have to remove the fuel lines from the plastic tank baffle in order to remove it to gain access to the bottom of the assembly to change the part. We can get into that further when you're ready to do the work.
 
Thank you for the responses!! This is all great information! Much appreciated all!

Waterluvr - When I get ready to do the work, I'll let you know and we'll go thu the steps to ensure I perform them correctly.
 
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