Two 1997 Sea-doo GSI's With Issues Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Machinehead]

So, unfortunately I am in the same boat so many of us find ourselves in forums like these. I have just left my 2 1997 GSI's at what was supposed to be a certified sea-doo sales and service facility for 3 months. Stroked a check for $1250.00 for both, told they were 100% and ready to go, put them in the water and they both had the exact same issues as when I dropped them off!!!! Freaking crazy.

I know they are old units but they are great machines that never get used. One has 47 hours and the other has 43.

So not to bore you with the stupid details of an incompetent shop, we have all been there, I will just jump to the issues they are having. Maybe someone can point me in the right direction.

Jet Ski 1 issues - Put in the water starts right up and runs perfect. Lightning fast and pulls up on plain and operates as it should. Shut it off for a minute and return to it, when going across the lake at full throttle the RPM drop and makes it surge. It goes up to about 5800 Rpm and the throttle goes dead (Does NOT Stall) Just no response from throttle until it drops down to 4500 RPM than kicks right back in. It lets you accelerate until hits that 5700 Rpm mark and drops right off. creating a surge effect. Crazy because initial drop in the water the thing is perfect. So I'm not sure how much is to do with RPM or engine temp. But several hundred $ later. New wear ring, new drive shaft plus other items......still does the exact same thing.

Jet Ski 2 issues - It is flashing Low Fuel, Low 12 Volts, Low Oil in dash display as soon as you start it. Fuel is good, oil level is good and I was told it wasn't charging. It will start and run all day on trailer lowered into water. You can throttle it up on the trailer and it seems to respond fine. Put in in the water and throttle it up, the second it tries to come up on plain, it falls on its face and drops back to an idle. It does not stall but can not get it to power up under a load to get it to start to come up on plain. Does not sound like it is missing or any engine concern. Its like it starts to pull up and like you just release the throttle. This has new stator, fuel sender, oil sensor, some amp regulator. All stuff I was told would fix it right up. Yup FIXED NOTHING.

And help or advise would greatly be appreciated.

 

[mikidymac]

I am so sorry to hear that you were let down by a shop but it seems to be pretty common here.

First I am sure you have but I would go speak with the shop manager and let them know that they did not fix the skis as requested.

Next if you are willing to get your hands dirty we will see if we can help you through diagnosing and fixing them.

 

[Pagsli]

If you fixed the sending units the only thing left to replace would be to try a new gauge. Doesn’t hurt to order one and then if it does t fix it resell on eBay for a few dollars less

 

[mwat65]

First thing first check compression, especially on the one that won’t come up on plane. Post the numbers. I know they have low hours but check it anyway. Secondly do u have gray fuel lines ? Next while running on the hose check battery voltage at 4000 rpms. Post the voltage.

 

[Machinehead]

Thanks guys!

I will get some of this information together. I'm in the middle of battling it out with the facility where they sat for 3 months. Crazy !!!!!

They want me bring them back but I said why? You couldn't fix it the first time around and lied to me about what was done, why will it be any different now? Shitheads!!!!!

 

[WhiskeyD]

First ski sounds like a fuel issue. You'll have to check every aspect of the fuel system to verify everything is correct according to the service manual.

Second ski could be a weak motor (low or no compression), air leak in engine, or carb/fuel issue. What all did the shop do to it?

 

[Machinehead]

I have started doing research and have discovered the horrors of gray fuel lines. Both skis have good compression so I think before I do anything searching for a fix is to start with replacing lines, Flushing fuel tank, clean selector switch and replace carb filters. Than put them back in the water and see what they do.

If that fixes them I will be overjoyed BUT incredibly pissed off as well. It sat at certified seadoo sales and service facility for 3 months. Wouldn't they start there first with the known issues??????

 

[mikidymac]

Don't clean the selector, you need to replace it with a new OEM one.
Same with the carbs, they need to be rebuilt with genuine Mikuni parts including needle and seats.

 

[mwat65]

Yes and your dealer is clueless or didn’t want to mess with them because of their age. Do what Miki says.

 

[Machinehead]

So I spent some time on the jet ski that runs pretty well except for the surge above half throtle. Worked with what I had on hand. I replaced the lines that run to the carb. Pulled the one small filter in carb (really nasty looking. Cleaned so was spotless ) and reinstalled. I installed a clear in line fuel filter as well.

I DID NOT do the other lines or fuel selector switch. I ordered them and wont have until next week, also ordered carb overhaul kit.

But by looks of filter I was really encouraged I was on the right path. Put it in the water and seemed really good for first 5 minutes. That started surging rpms above 1/2 throtle. Runs fine below that.

Clear filter is clean no debris at all.

Any thoughts? Just move forward with the rest of lines, fuel selector and do a complete carb overhaul? Or should I be watching for something else as well?

 

[mikidymac]

Do it correctly or keep running it that way and seize the engine, your call.