Suddenly lost power and fired again

[aquaman222]

So today I ran my 1996 xp after cleaning out the carbs and replacing the fuel lines. It ran like a total bat out of hell then died. We could not get it started. No signs other than bogging down just before I killed it and then it never started.

I got it back to the garage and hit the gas and it fired without even hitting choke. Very odd. Could it be low spark on a dead battery from flooding? I did backfire a little one time before starting in the garage.

It runs now. Very weird!

 

[aquaman222]

Also, the ski will not start at all now. It acts like it wants to but just will not turn over. We did tow the ski and I did not have a clamp for the hose to cut off the water flow, but we did not tow the ski more than 10 mph.

It also backfires some still when trying to start. Any suggestions.

Also, how do you check to see if you are getting good spark on the plugs? I just installed new ones yesterday.

 

[aquaman222]

I got the ski to fire up, but it runs rough and it will not idle. It just dies. Could I have ingested water and I'm doing serious damage?

 

[Dr Honda]

If you got the water out... there shouldn't be any damage. BUT... check the compression. That will tell you a lot about the health of the engien.

 

[aquaman222]

If compression is good, what would be my next target? Since I'm a newb and I messed with the carbs and fuel line, I would think I should start there. Perhaps my fuel system is not pressurizing or I have an air leak in the carb assembly? When I unscrewed the gas tank lid though I could hear and feel the pressure in the system though.

 

[Dr Honda]

If compression is good, what would be my next target?

What was it? PTO and MAG.


The fuel system doesn't pressurize when it's running. The pressure test is to see if it has any leaks.

 

[aquaman222]

It's going to be a couple of days before I can test it. I have to borrow a tester. Don't own one. After all I've done to get this thing going, I have to say I feel pretty defeated now. If this is a big repair, I'm going to sell the ski. I believe I bit off more than I can chew.

Should have just saved up for a newer model, but I couldn't get the thought of running around on an old school doo out of my head. Thirteen years ago I owned a 93 and this hull is just the best hull I've ever rode. I love the way it handles and launches out of the water and it is very nostalgic for me.

I sure wish SeaDoo would make this boat again with a small four stroke in it. It would be awesome.

I think I'm going to save up for one of those new Yamaha FZRs or a SeaDoo RXPX. It's just going to take me a few years to get that going. My next ski is going to have a warranty! I waited 13 years to buy this old cheap one. A few more won't kill me.

 

[aquaman222]

To do a compression test, I'm suppose to ground my plugs. I don't have the piece on my head to do that. What other way can I ground the plugs?

 

[brock1]

ground it to the rave valve bolts they will give you your answer or just go to the store and buy a inline spart meter for 14 bucks they are great

 

[jhjesse]

So today I ran my 1996 xp after cleaning out the carbs and replacing the fuel lines. It ran like a total bat out of hell then died. We could not get it started. No signs other than bogging down just before I killed it and then it never started.

I got it back to the garage and hit the gas and it fired without even hitting choke. Very odd. Could it be low spark on a dead battery from flooding? I did backfire a little one time before starting in the garage.

It runs now. Very weird!

My money is on the fuel filter/water seperator O ring not seating properly and letting air into the fuel system, especially just after a fuel line change out.

 

[aquaman222]

I hope its that simple. I did use some sealant on the threads to make sure I got a good seal. Grounding on the Rave valve bolts? Are you talking about the bolts that hold down the housing for the Raves? Do the have to fit onto the screws or just sit on them?

 

[jhjesse]

If you used hose clamps on the fuel lines, it is possible that one of the fuel lines was overtightened collapsing one of the fuel baffle nipples preventing fuel flow...just a thought.

 

[aquaman222]

Not good folks. Mag side 146. PTO side about 40. I ran it three times on each cylinder to make sure I was not screwing something up. Looks like a wreck I suppose. Beyond my ability to fix is what I assume.

 

[jhjesse]

It's going to be a couple of days before I can test it. I have to borrow a tester. Don't own one. After all I've done to get this thing going, I have to say I feel pretty defeated now. If this is a big repair, I'm going to sell the ski. I believe I bit off more than I can chew.

Should have just saved up for a newer model, but I couldn't get the thought of running around on an old school doo out of my head. Thirteen years ago I owned a 93 and this hull is just the best hull I've ever rode. I love the way it handles and launches out of the water and it is very nostalgic for me.

I sure wish SeaDoo would make this boat again with a small four stroke in it. It would be awesome.

I think I'm going to save up for one of those new Yamaha FZRs or a SeaDoo RXPX. It's just going to take me a few years to get that going. My next ski is going to have a warranty! I waited 13 years to buy this old cheap one. A few more won't kill me.

If you decide to sell it let me know, I'm in Chattanooga.

 

[aquaman222]

I'm probably going to part with it. I just can't afford a rebuild and I'm not good enough to do it myself. It has a nice trailer. Body is in pretty good shape with a couple of scratches. New wear ring, prop, rave valves and fuel lines. It is located in Gallatin, TN. I can send pics if interested.

 

[brock1]

its not that hard to rebuild especially if you only have to do one cylinder and it can be relatively cheap and you know what they say "IF ITS PAYED FOR ITS ALWAYS WORTH FIXIN" well help ya along on here just give it a try theres only one way to learn.

 

[aquaman222]

Ok we pulled head off and the cylinder sleeve and I'm pretty sure we have found the problem. See Pic. Do you need a piston puller part 290877092 to remove the piston pin or is there another way to pull the pin with common tools?

 

[aquaman222]

I'm going to post some pics later to get some feedback. It looks like a piston ring broke and got between the head and the piston and really f'd things up. Scoring is minimal on the side of the piston and the sleeves look real clean. My head is also shot. I'm going to order a complete top end rebuild kit and a new head, but I have to wait to get some cash. My question is, should I go ahead and get an aftermarket head? The top of the mag piston was covered in carbon. Also both of my raves are covered in carbon. The raves are brand new.

One thing I've never posted. I don't know what type of oil the previous owner used. I did switch to quicksilver full synthetic and drained most of the oil out of the reservoir. Some did mix from the old oil. I have a feeling the previous owner was using junk. Could the oil switch have caused any of these problems?

I'm going to go ahead and convert to premix while it's down. Taking no chances going forward.

I guess I'm still a little confused about what would have caused this to happen. Maybe age. I just want to make sure I trouble shoot the causes and not just replace the parts.

I'm going to depend on you guys a lot to help me out. I sure appreciate all the advice I've gotten from this site. I really want to get this ski running. I'm not real interested in owning a 900lb couch. I just love the hull on this machine and this is what I want. I guess wrenching just comes with owning a 15 year old ski. Got something to keep me busy though.

Brock1 --- I was about to give up and your post inspired me to give this a try. Thanks man!