Replacing fuel tank straps

[JJinSC]

I have a '97 Seadoo XP model and all the fuel tank straps have finally let go. The tank is under the seat, but this is a model with the direct-action suspension system. Therefore, I cannot just lift the seat to get open access to the tank. I know I can remove the seat and have a small 3-4" port hole access, but it still looks like it would be a difficult job. Not only that, I am not sure I can even replace these on this model without removing the tank. I think the bottom of the straps may be fastened instead of hooked onto a clip. It looks like the engine would have to come out to move the tank. Therefore, here is my questions.

1) Is anyone familiar with this and have any input or insight on this task?

2) The tank seems pretty secure without the straps. Are they really needed or were they just an added safety precaution from the factory?

It seems like a bad idea to put rubber retaining straps in such a design, when you know the rubber will eventually dry rot and break.

Any input would be graciously welcomed and received.

Thanks in advance,
John

 

[custompartsguy]

your ski is over 12 years old, I think tharubber lasting that amount of time is pretty good....I do not know how to gain access to your tank, but my tank you can get down beside it pry the metal holding the strap away and remove the strap, then just put the new one on and crimp the bracket back around the strap.

 

[JJinSC]

It doesn't look like I can get down beside the tank from the front hatch of the engine. Even if I could reach back there, my hands surely will not fit. Therefore, I cannot even get down to the clip that holds the strap. There is absolutely no room between the tank and the shields on both sides. It looks to me like the tank has to be removed to replace these straps, which means the engine would have to come out. This seems like it could cause more problems than it is worth, which brings me to the point of wondering if anyone has any input on my second question (re quoted below).

2) The tank seems pretty secure without the straps. Are they really needed or were they just an added safety precaution from the factory?

 

[custompartsguy]

I have a 2000 gtx and was able to remove my tank from the front...however your front storage area may be to small...give it a shot

 

[kustomkarl]

If you don't use tie straps to hold down the tank you will be replacing your fuel tank in a couple months of use. The straps keep tension on the tank to prevent it from bouncing and chaffing the outside edges. On that model it is required to remove the engine to get to it. Is it possible to use say stainless pull straps or budgies to secure it from what's left as brackets? I'll do some searching to see if another member has a sure cure to easily repair your problem...

Karl

 

[JJinSC]

Is it possible to use say stainless pull straps or budgies to secure it from what's left as brackets?
Karl

Thanks for your response Karl. It looks somewhat possible to use stainless pull straps or straps of some sort to do this. Funny thing is only one side of the 3 straps broke so far and it is the same side that broke on each strap. Now that I think about it, it is the side the exhaust pipe is on. I could just hook some sort of strap back up to the good strap on top, though I am uncertain on how much longer they will last.

I would be very interested in hearing any ideas on achieving this. I had already taken a preliminary look at the possibility of this. I will look closer at doing this now. Also, I would be very interested in hearing what you find out with your further research from other members.

Oh yeah, How much pressure needs to be on these straps to securely hold the tank?

Thanks again!!!

JJ

 

[kustomkarl]

I would just snug them up, so it won't add more stress on the tank.

Karl

 

[JJinSC]

Ok, I have finally had a little more time to look at this. Here is my plan.

1) I am going to get some new rubber type straps with hooks on the end from walmart and see if I cannot fish and hook the D-ring of the old strap at the bottom of the tank and then fasten the other to the end of the good strap. I will have to make sure I get the proper length. If I can, I think I will be good to go until the straps on the other side of the tank decide to let go.

2) If I can't fish the D-hook of the old straps, then I was thinking about taking a couple of stainless steel hose type clamps (big enough) and put around the exhaust pipe and hooking the end of the new straps through those and bringing them up and over to connect to the good straps.

What do you think about this idea? Anyone see any possible problems with that??

Thanks,
JJ

 

[custompartsguy]

from what I gathered you said if it did not work you would use clamps long enough and hook them to/or around exahust? Do not hook anything to your exhaust your engine is on mounts and the engine and pipe needs to have flex to it, so you cannot hook to your pipe or around it.

 

[JJinSC]

Actually, I was thinking about it not actually planning to yet. I just posted here first to get opinions about. The actual idea was to use a Hose clamp (Stainless steel) to just go around the exhaust pipe so that I could connect the end of a rubber strap to it via it's little hook on the end. The actual tie down would be rubber like the original and would give just like the motor mounts. I just wanted to make sure you understand my idea exactly. In fact, as I sit and type this I realize that the heat from the exhaust pipe will probably transfer through the steel and the hook and melt the strap, so I am not so sure this is a good idea. Anyways, would be interested in what you think.

Thanks,
JJ

 

[custompartsguy]

Yeah, I would not go around the pipe at all it it will touch it, just my 2cents though

 

[JJinSC]

Thanks for the input. I got 'er done today. I hope it holds well, but I ended up using nylon cinch straps with C hooks on the end. They hooked right where the old strap is permanently affixed to the D ring on the bottom. I brought the cam-buckle up to the top and it hooked right on the end of the good straps. Then I cinched them to what I figured would have been the pressure the old straps would of had on them.(both straps now meet top center the tank). This sounds easy, but it took me 3 hours of fishing with one hand to get each of them hooked to the bottom. Plus I had to take the seat off and use the portal above the tank baffle to get to the rear strap. I used the straps from some strap-on tree steps for climbing to my tree stands. The only worry I have is the metal parts of this setup. I do not ever go in salt water and I soaked them down good with Sea-doo lube. I will have to make sure I keep them lubed well. Going to keep my eye open for something like marine straps that are used to hold batteries down with. They have strong hard plastic buckles and can cinch down too. This will probably be what I use when the other old straps on the other side of the tank finally let go. Then I will not have any metal parts to worry about.

I didn't touch the Exhaust pipe. Like you stated, after pondering it, it did not seem like a good idea at all.

Thanks again,
JJ

 

[JJinSC]

Sorry about posting in the "How-to" section. I just realized, there is a request not to post questions here. I guess I should have put this in the "troubleshooting" section. Feel free to move it there if you want.

 

[Josh6t_97xp]

The exhaust is cooled with water doesnt get very hot, you can touch it with your hand and not get burned after riding. I actually figured this out the hard way. When I got my first ski I had the cooling lines switched (no water in the water jacket) melted my oil line that lubes the rotary gear. kinda scary smoked like a :reddevil: glad it didnt start it on fire.