The X4 Thread

[spx800]

my 98 spx with a few upgrades.

 

[Dr Honda]

Looks good.

 

[hackete]

Just a FYI for some people. On our seadoo's I always cut the fuel line off about a foot or so from the carb's. Put a cheap clear auto fuel filter in and run black ethanol safe fuel line ($3 a foot here) to the carb. And if duel carb replace the line between them. Replace it (filter $2) each year when get them back out. Saves alot of problems. The ethanol safe fuel line will have green text on it.

 

[Dr Honda]

Just a FYI for some people. On our seadoo's I always cut the fuel line off about a foot or so from the carb's. Put a cheap clear auto fuel filter in and run black ethanol safe fuel line ($3 a foot here) to the carb. And if duel carb replace the line between them. Replace it (filter $2) each year when get them back out. Saves alot of problems. The ethanol safe fuel line will have green text on it.

Good advice... but you should change ALL the fuel lines. The goo in the return line will eventually find it's way back to the carbs.

I too run an extra filter. For a few $$$ it's a good way to assure the fuel is clean. (and it's easy to check if you get a clear filter)

 

[purple_people_eater]

ok so i've got pics of my problem. i'm in the middle of doing a write fix for you guys but here are some begining pics. what happened is that whatever they tied the muffler mounting bracket down with from the factory, it seems to me they just used expantion rivits into foam, rotted away/ "wollowed" out thus releasing the muffler to bounce around inside the ski and work the rubber boot that conects the pipe to the muffler lose. pic at the bottom. as soon as i see how my fix works i'll finish the write up for your guys. moral of the this story: keep an eye on those muffler brackets!!

 

[soccerdan90]

Good advice... but you should change ALL the fuel lines. The goo in the return line will eventually find it's way back to the carbs.

I too run an extra filter. For a few $$$ it's a good way to assure the fuel is clean. (and it's easy to check if you get a clear filter)

What fuel filter should I buy and do I just put it on the feed hose right before the carbs? It would be nice having a view at the fuel to make sure all is well.

 

[dukenyc]

Anyone found a good source of parts for the old x4's?

Mine is one part, a water box, away from being back on the water after 10 years sitting in a barn.

 

[Flying96XP]

Ebay or craigslist is really the only place i found... unless you want to buy new then click the link "parts" in the top right corner of the forum. But expect to pay serious $$ for an OE waterbox if still available new.

 

[dukenyc]

I checked the oem parts but they don't list it as available.

Any experience with the tar box? They will make a new one for $210 but it will take two weeks.

Any performance gain or loss? Is it to loud?

Any help is appreciated

 

[spx800]

how long do those paper filters usually last?

 

[hackete]

I use https://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/CatalogItemDetail.aspx?A=PSX23002_0325223370&An=0 there $1.89 I replace them every year but thats me.

 

[Dr Honda]

In the amount of fuel passed by most people... It should last a long time. But... since they are cheap... changing them once a year is easy to do.

 

[Dr Honda]

I checked the oem parts but they don't list it as available.

Any experience with the tar box? They will make a new one for $210 but it will take two weeks.

Any performance gain or loss? Is it to loud?

Any help is appreciated

Most aftermarket boxes are louder. A water box on ebay should be cheap, as they don't normally get damaged.

here:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Sead...tZPersonalQ5fWatercraftQ5fParts#ht_500wt_1182

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1996...ZPersonalQ5fWatercraftQ5fParts#ht_1765wt_1165

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Sead...ptZPersonalQ5fWatercraftQ5fParts#ht_884wt_939

$9... cheap enough??


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SEAD...tZPersonalQ5fWatercraftQ5fParts#ht_607wt_1165

 

[spx800]

ok, i bought one like that at walmart.

 

[dukenyc]

Dr Honda, thank you for the links. I contacted TDR about a water box and they indicated that the box was slightly different in the 1995xp800 compared to the subsequent models.

Can you confirm that the 96 xp and 97 sox boxes will definitely fit in the 95 800?

 

[spx800]

http://nmi.craigslist.org/boa/2484437200.html

96 xp if anyone in northern mich. is interested.

 

[Dr Honda]

Dr Honda, thank you for the links. I contacted TDR about a water box and they indicated that the box was slightly different in the 1995xp800 compared to the subsequent models.

Can you confirm that the 96 xp and 97 sox boxes will definitely fit in the 95 800?

Well.... "A little different" to me means.... "It's cheap enough to make it work." Yes... the '97-99 SPX is the 96 XP. Seadoo just took the XP a different direction. (with the spring seat, and the parabolic hull)

 

[jetmanjo]

Well, I have been working since my last post, so havent had time to do much of anything. I did make it home and found that my XP does have the grey fuel lines. I plan to change them all out (After I get the beast running) but I am hearing there is a temp fix by changing out some of the line near the fuel selector valve, and also near the carbs? Is this worth while? As my reciept states my carbs were both rebuilt/cleaned, I dont want to get them plugged up! What is this green goo you speak of?! I already bought about 25 clamps, but still need to get the 21' of 1/4 fuel line to do the job. Is this something that is known on ALL Sea Doo's or just the XP?

I installed the OEM starter that I paid $90.00 to have rebuilt, and found it was a botched job. Definitely a bummer for me as it took quite a while to get the thing in there and tightened down. I am a bit anal about my work. I took it back out, and just picked it up yesterday from the guys "Second Attempt" and I told him if it doesnt work, I will require my money back and will spend it on an after market starter that should last a year anyways! Should I use Blue Locktite on the install bolts or just crank it down without?

I was looking at a 1995 SP and found that my XP has some things missing that (If I can get it running) I would like to obtain. The front of my XP does not have the "drop in" box that is for storage, nor does it have the tool kit or fire extinguisher tubes. I was wondering where the fire extinquisher was to do. Surely it wasnt to bounce around at the bottom of the hull!!! I also noticed that under my seat, I do not have Air Baffle or tube that comes out near the back where the battery is. Or is it supposed to have one? I am learning every day!

Over the weekend I hope to get the starter back in there for the 2'nd time and hope it will crank this time. If so, I can work on the no spark issue. Maybe it will mysteriously have gone away with the rebuilt starter installed?! One can hope!

Do I need to change the oil in the back cone shaped thing aft of the jet prop? If so, what type and weight should I use?

Thanks, Hope to be on the water soon, but know I still have a bit to do yet.

 

[spx800]

the air baffle at the back is just a noise dampener, so it really isn't necessary. yes the jet pump oil should be changed; its 3 oz of 75w 90 full synthetic gear oil ( i can't remember it's in the service manual). by not having the front storage bin you'll save about 20 lbs. so that's your call.

 

[soccerdan90]

Taking out the xp! That is all. :cheers::cheers:

 

[hackete]

Just got through doing a top end rebuild on son's XP. I put about half an ounce of 2 cycle oil in each spark plug hole then turned it over till the gas oil got to engine and it cranked up. Turned it off soon as cranked. Were headed out this morning to do the engine break in 10 min idle 30 min varying between 0 and 20% cool off etc... I went ahead and put a new wear ring in also there was about an 1/8 th inch gap on old one. Used the SBT kit http://www.shopsbt.com/sea-1995-xp/62-105.html with cylinders. Pump went out in it and burned up piston. Didn't want to put a used one in it and didn't want to pay 2-300 for a new one. So put a block off kit on it. I know the first tank we have extra oil in it. After that was going to run it 40:1 unless someone says otherwise. I have heard 50:1 40:1 and 32:1, SBT site had 40:1 on it so was going with that after first tank. Will let you know how engine does. Every question I have had on it while putting it together was on these forums in one post or another. THANKS .

P.S. I did not read anything about the half ounce oil in plug holes. My cousin is a master ford tech and sugested it. I usually do everything he suggest because he has never been wrong so far.

 

[Dr Honda]

Hackete:

A little extra oil in the engine is a good thing (most of the time) BUT... I wouldn't listen to your cousin since he works on Fords !!!! (j/k, lol)

Anyway... 40:1 is actually seadoo's spec if you are removing the oil system. (This is from Seadoo because they support racers who may want to burn fuels, other than regular gasoline) On your fresh engine... you want to mix the first 2 tanks at 32:1.

Let us know how it goes.


To all..........


Well... I got to go out for a few hours yesterday... and the X4 is running GREAT !!!!! Since it was sitting for so long... it needed a bunch of little things done. Also, as I said before... with my weight, it was bouncing so bad, I couldn't get past 40 mph. Right now... with me massaging the pump, seals, and trim tabs... I can run wide open, the pump stays hooked up in rough water... and... there is ZERO cavitation !!!!! This ski is an absolute blast to ride. Best of all... I'm getting a real 56 mph out of it !!!! (Via GPS) The way it's running now... it's a fun ski to ride... and you don't have to fight it to go fast, and have fun.

The only depressing thing is... my buddy was right beside me, doing the same 56 mph with him and his kid on my 4 passenger Genesis. (it's fast for a big ass ski)


Anyway... later today, I'll do a write up on what I did to the drive system. (and a couple of my old tricks)


Last thing... since the 3 degree trim tabs work so well... would you guys be interested in them if I made them in my shop? I don't think R&D makes them anymore, and besides... I would be cheaper. :thumbsup:

 

[hackete]

We ran the first tank out no problem going this evening for second tank (came to house for some sandwiches). I would be interested in the tabs if not too expensive Doc. I would need two sets. Also I didn't mention this because it's a Polaris but we rebuilt my sister's 1999 SLTH and ran it in same with son's so 1 more tank to go on it as well. Had 0 problems with the SBT kits for both of them. Had everything we needed. Dad pulled her pump out and used some kind of plummers silicone on it... Maybe it will be ok lol.

 

[soccerdan90]

My ride yesterday was great. It was a little choppy at first but was fun to jump a little. Then it became almost glass and really got going quickly. Fun times. I think I gave myself whiplash jumping the wake of a 30 foot baja boat lol. The nose was completely straight up in the air and the landing caused me to fly off. I knew I was having fun when that happened! :driving:

 

[Dr Honda]

Also I didn't mention this because it's a Polaris but we rebuilt my sister's 1999 SLTH and ran it in same with son's so 1 more tank to go on it as well. Had 0 problems with the SBT kits for both of them. Had everything we needed. Dad pulled her pump out and used some kind of plummers silicone on it... Maybe it will be ok lol.

Glad it's going well.

Hey... we like Polaris here too.

So... what did he glue on that pump? As I recall... you don't need to glue a Polaris pump in place.