Please detailed help - two broken rave valves on 96 seadoo xp

[aquaman222]

Ok, so the other day I finished rebuilding my pump and took the ski out. It ran fine, but when I went to the dock I noticed the red cap on the rave valve was punched out. After further inspection both of my rave valves broke at the stem. I don't think any pieces went into the piston. The ski was still running fine when I took it in.

What could cause both valves to break? Could it be a cooling issue? I've ordered all replacement parts for the valve and will install and then put the ski on a hose flush to see if water runs through. I've never flushed this ski, but I do have the red valve and a flush hose.

I've heard you clamp off a line to prevent water from simply running out the back. Exactly where do I clamp the hose?

I'm new at wrenching on these things and I just bought this old XP and probably got taken in the deal. I'm not sure if the valves were broken before or after I rode.

I'm looking for any help. I can't afford to take the ski to a shop. I can barely afford the parts!

 

[purple_people_eater]

welcome to the forum fellow x4'er!!

as far as the rave valves go: your lucky they snaped at the stem. they just get wore out over time and need replacing/ servicing.

as far as flushing goes you pinch the hose that goes to the water reg( the rave valve looking car on your muffler)

the 96 xp is a very very fun ski. and well worth the time and effort to fix and repair.

 

[IDoSeaDoo]

If you have good compression, I'd just replace the RAVE valves and get the new plastic plungers/caps. SBT I think has the best price on this stuff (shopsbt.com) I wouldn't buy the RAVE valves used. Ebay has good deals, but these things do wear out. The diameter of the valve gets thinner, allowing exhaust gasses to pass by and melt the plastic plungers. Also, you seem new to Seadoos, I'll tell you it's VERY important to use API-TC oil. Please don't use TCW3, that is an ashless oil and does not provide the necessary protection for the 787 engine. You need a low-ash two stroke injection oil. I just blew a piston ring, and I'm pretty sure it's because I used an oil that was more TCW3 than API-TC, even though it had that rating on the back. I would use something specifically meant for jet skis.

 

[aquaman222]

On the rave valves installation, where do I use zip ties? I've heard this referenced numerous time. My housing did not have them at all.

 

[IDoSeaDoo]

the bottom of the boot is held on by zip-ties. be sure to use zip ties with the smallest clip you can find, as if you get one that's too big, it'll rub on the rave boot and perhaps put a hole in it. it doesn't take much to hold it on there. the top is held by a spring band

 

[Chester]

Do not use zip ties on the bottom of the bellows. Just use the same spring that is used on the 951 RAVE bellows.

Chester

 

[aquaman222]

Are the zip ties a replacement for the round springs that fasten the bellow to the plastic part (piston) that screws into the valve? I have the round springs.

 

[Chester]

Do not use zip ties.

Chester

 

[aquaman222]

To pinch off my water flow is it the bigger black hose? Not the one with the valve. The other one.

 

[aquaman222]

OK, my new pistons don't look the same as the ones I replaced. Also, If I don't use zip ties, what should I use?

 

[Dr Honda]

OK, my new pistons don't look the same as the ones I replaced. Also, If I don't use zip ties, what should I use?

Chester already answered your question.

 

[ski-d00]

you can also use a piece of wire and twist the end and fold it down(not overly tight though). the racer guys do that quite a bit, but they wire tie everything for that matter.

 

[bennlemire]

Thought I would do some required maintenance on a 96 GTX that i got recently,,, the guy I got it from "said" had had just paid someone to go over the engine,, and " rebuild it",, well,,, I have a few pics of that supposed rebuild,,DAMN,, why do I always fall for this crap and not DEMAND receipts.. Hell if it was ME trying to sell it,, I would have the paperwork to back it up.
So,, I thought ZI would check It myself,, after learning a few things online about since I decided to check the rave valves and they were really gummed up,,, The first one,, the easiest one,,I cleaned up in about an hour,,,the second one i pulled out,,, the one with no clearance because of the lousy muffler,,, was broken off on one point of it,,,, I tried to look into the piston with a flashlight,, but didn't see anything floating around in there.,, I took it out WAY too carefully for ME to have broken it( SORT OF SIDEWAYS REMOVAL)

So,, now I guess I get to buy a head gasket,, a friggin torque wrench(just for this occasion),, and figure out if I "get " to find a little debris or rebuild the total top end in THIS economy where the DOW has dropped more in the last few days (october of 2011) than it has in ALL of the 1970's and 80's,,
I am really thinking I need to just BAIL out of this jet ski crap until I have a good job and feel more like a man again.
but,, if there is really anyone out there listening,,, I had a question about the water return valve where I am not sure where the hoses hook up that no one has answered,, is the TOP hose hookup, the intake?

I just need to get this water control unit working for now,, this damn rave valve was a total surprise,, I wish I would have just left it alone,, ignorance is BLISS!,, It was running just fine with the broken "guillotine" valve...That;s what I get i Guess for having Standards and having MY stuff be as pristine as possible and actually caring about my investment.
Couls someone please answer my water intake valve hose hook up question first?,,, I will surely be ordering parts to fix the other situation,, but at least all I need for now Is information.. My wife thinks I am obsessing about these skis,,, kinda makes me wonder why she never said I was "obsessing" over the hot water heater tank that I just replaced,, or the dishwasher I JUst replaced,, or the WASHING machine I just replaced,, OR the refrigerator I JUST replaced,, HELL,, I just CAN NOT afford to replace every thing,,,ESPECIALLY in this really crappy times we are in,,,and these toys we now own,, that we only get to use a couple months a year,,,, and have my wife tell me I am obsessing,,, where the hell do women get this crap?
Maybe SHE would like to be stranded on a lake or river somewhere because of faulty equipment or maintenance,,, you just DO NOT get to call triple A,, or any tow truck,,, or even WALK home. Boating equipment needs to be maintained to the highest standards, because there are very few options if you have ANY problems,, and I think she NEEDS to get stranded,,,just one time so she will never give me that crap again.

 

[ski-d00]

the top hose goes to an elbow in the pipe which is an exit, lower line goes to a T between the pump and the head which is the inlet.

 

[Minnetonka4me]

Couls someone please answer my water intake valve hose hook up question first?,,, I will surely be ordering parts to fix the other situation,, but at least all I need for now Is information.. My wife thinks I am obsessing about these skis,,, kinda makes me wonder why she never said I was "obsessing" over the hot water heater tank that I just replaced,, or the dishwasher I JUst replaced,, or the WASHING machine I just replaced,, OR the refrigerator I JUST replaced,, HELL,, I just CAN NOT afford to replace every thing,,,ESPECIALLY in this really crappy times we are in,,,and these toys we now own,, that we only get to use a couple months a year,,,, and have my wife tell me I am obsessing,,, where the hell do women get this crap?
Maybe SHE would like to be stranded on a lake or river somewhere because of faulty equipment or maintenance,,, you just DO NOT get to call triple A,, or any tow truck,,, or even WALK home. Boating equipment needs to be maintained to the highest standards, because there are very few options if you have ANY problems,, and I think she NEEDS to get stranded,,,just one time so she will never give me that crap again.

Sounds like you need to tell her to shut up and get back in that newly upgraded kitchen and make you some dinner...then do the dishes. LOL J/k

But seriously...My last GF was a PITA like that. She knew I was a motorhead and thought she could change me after a few years...told her to GTFO.

My current GF is the complete opposite...she understands the obsession and has nothing to say about it. She isnt the hottest chick , but the no biatching part more than makes up for it.

I have also upgraded all the appliances recently...not b/c she demanded it, but b/c I ran into some sweet deals at estate sales. As each one was installed...I was rewarded...handsomely... LOL New washer/dryer/fridge/range/gas water heater...all for about $1200. Yup Im a fuggin deal finder.