Some questions about my 2001 Utopia 185

[mdchachi]

OK, I just took out my 2001 Utopia 185 for the first time aside from the test drive. Just a handful of random questions:

- I can't hear the bilge air blower. Is it really that silent or is it not working? How can I check it? (ie where is it?)
- The bilge pump is disconnected from the harness because it won't shut off even though the float is not stuck. But I can't tell if the air blower is working when it's plugged in because it's too noisy.
- Does anybody happen to have a replacement or repair recommendation for the bilge pump?
- The foil sheeting is peeling off the foam in the engine compartment. Would it be safe to use something like Permatex headliner spray adhesive on it?

Thanks.

 

[Dr Honda]

1) The SWITCH for the bilge fan is probably dead. It seems like a common thing. The fan pulls just about what the switch is rated for... and they wear out after a while. I just changed mine... and I've seen a few other people need to do the same.

2) The "Auto" function of the pump is dead. Get a new pump without the auto feature... and just use the switch on the helm.

3) Any 500~900 gal/hr pump will work. Just cut the wires off the old pump, and solder them onto a new one. Then... epoxy it to the floor. (The OEM pumps don't exist anymore)

4) You can try spray adhesive... but chances are, the foam has decayed some... and has oil on it, so it won't stick. If it's important... rip it all out... clean the fiberglass... and install new sound padding.

 

[mdchachi]

Thank you for the advice, I really appreciate it. I never would've even thought to consider the switch.

 

[mdchachi]

I tried switching switches with the bilge pump switch and it still doesn't work. I want to try connecting the terminals directly but I wasn't sure which ones to connect since there are four. The switch looks like this:
http://greatlakesskipper.com/sea-doo-jet-boat-on-off-rocker-switch
Can anybody tell me which two to connect to close the circuit? If that doesn't work I guess the next step is to look for a fuse? Or maybe try to locate the fan itself.

Today I had a bigger issue though. It's my second time out and one of the times when I stopped it, it wouldn't start. It was as if the starter wouldn't engage because sometimes it wouldn't even turn over at all (just a whizzing sound). Other times it would turn over a few times but not enough to start. I checked underneath to makes sure there was no rope or seawood in the impeller. And I opened the "hood" to give the engine some air in case that was a factor with the bilge fan not working. Finally when I had given up and was in the water trying to walk it back along the shoreline, it started for one of my mates. This was after over 15 minutes of trying. Thankfully it was fine when running and we made a few more loops before calling it a day. Any hints on what to look into first?

Thanks.

 

[Dr Honda]

The switch is the right one. I've bought a few from him over the years because buying it from seadoo cost $50.

Normally I'd say you have to run the bilge fan to get it to restart... but what you are describing is a bad battery. The voltage is low... and just won't crank. Also... if you do have the 240 EFI... that computer DOES NOT like low voltage. So... even if you have enough power to crank at a slow speed... chances are... you don't have enough power left to make the computer, and fuel injection come to life.

You were smart to not short across the terminals. The fan could be burnt out... or there could be a short in the wireing. Before doing anything... pull the plug off the motor at the bilge fan, and then check the wires at the helm for power. THEN... check the fuses. And finally... check the blower by itself.

 

[mdchachi]

It started up right away after first putting it in the water. Went around the lake a few times. Shut it off to ready the tube. Started up once to get away from shore, shut it off and finished readying the tube. Started it up and pulled the kids for 15 minutes or so. Shut it off to switch out some riders and that's when I had the starting issue. I guess my question is, if it's a battery wouldn't you expect to see the issue sooner than later? I'll take a look at it but I think the battery is only 1-2 years old. Could it be the alternator not charging properly? Thanks.

 

[mdchachi]

I pulled out the battery today and I think the previous owner was truthful about its age but it was an "RV/Marine" battery with specs less than the minimum noted in the owner's manual. I took it to the local parts store and their machine told them the battery was no good. So I bought new one well over the minimum specs. I'm hopeful it will start right up right away next time.

Now to do something about the bilge fan. I think I located it but I don't see a way to get to it or its harness easily. I'll take another stab at it this week.

 

[Dr Honda]

Yep... the fan isn't easy to get to. Hang upside down... and you will get to it.