Surging

[TKA-NZ]

Ive got a 97 SPX and it has started surging when over about half throttle.

It feels like it is running out of fuel. I replaced the fuel filter which made it a bit better.

I was thinking that the carbs might need cleaned out.

It has got the grey fuel lines on it so maybe this has caused the problem.

Is their anything I need to be careful of when removing carbs and cleaning them out??

 

[seadoosnipe]

Yes.....there is.

You hit the nail on the head. The surging is from leaning out the carbs. You need to replace the grey fuel lines like you seem to have already read.

With the skis age, depending on how long it has been since carbs were last removed, you may run into seized bolts. This is caused by electrolysis between the two different types of metals, aluminum and stainless.

You'll be best served if you buy a set of metric 3/8" drive, allen head sockets. This will help to keep from stripping the head using the standard "L" shaped ones.

The only real thing you need to get to in your carbs is the micro strainer. It's in the section of the carb where your fuel inlet is. It's a small, white, plastic basket type strainer. If your careful with removing the plates, you can re-use the gaskets.:cheers:

 

[TKA-NZ]

Do you have to remove the carbs to get to these strainers??

 

[seadoosnipe]

Engines....

There were two different engines made for this year model, the 717 and the 787.

When you remove the air box, look on the forward side of the MAG carb. You'll see a square plate with 4 screws holding it on. This is your fuel pump. The center hose is to the engine block and is the pulse line. Then, on either side of the pulse line you have the fuel inlet and return hoses. This is the plate you'll find the fuel basket in.

This one on the MAG carb, you will probably be able to get to without removing the carb. But, the PTO carb will have to come off to open the plate because of the clearance between it and the MAG carb.

If you pull the MAG plate off and expose the filter, look into it and see how dirty it is. If the ski is running great, just surging, I'd probably just try and replace the hoses first. Your fuel supply line may have restriction to flow because of the swelling. These lines break down from the inside out.

So do that first. Then, if you replace the lines, the basket in the MAG carb is clean, you may not have to go any further. The pulse line to the crankcase and the vent line from your fuel tank won't have to be replaced. It's best if you can replace all of it, but because the fuel tank vent line is not in constant contact with the fuel, it's less likely to be affected by the breakdown. I'd also run your fuel directly from the tank to the carb, by-passing the reserve/run/off selector switch till you see how it's going to run. Because of the possibility of rubber debris inside of it. Before connecting the lines to the selector switch, you'll need to clean it out.:cheers:

Oh, BTW, you also have a fuel line that's connected between the carbs. It has to be replaced too.

 

[timmyboy76]

like the Snipeman mentioned, since hav'n the grey lines. You can also do quik elimination, and disconnect red wire from rectifier, and if that fixes it, need new one(rectifier)