What could have caused this? Milky oil and loss of power

[Northern Seadoo Guy]

I recently purchased a used 2012 Seadoo RXT-X 260 with 107 hours. I took it out twice, ran great, even got it up to 70MPH. I take it out this weekend and very shortly after being on the water the ski started mis firing, could not get up above 48mph. I thought it could have been the spark plugs, but as soon as I took out the oil dipstick I noticed the oil was a white milky color. I checked the oil right before putting it in the water and it was normal. I'm going to bring it to the dealer next week, but was wondering if anyone has any input on this. Is my motor done for? head gasket? intercooler? TIA.

 

[skiasylum]

Have you back flushed the ski recently? Common way to get water in your oil is a improper back flush.

 

[Northern Seadoo Guy]

Have you back flushed the ski recently? Common way to get water in your oil is an improper back flush.

I have not. Is that the only way water could’ve gotten in? Since I haven’t, I think it means that it’s actually coolant in the oil which is most likely due to a blown head gasket. Do you agree with that?

 

[skiasylum]

Is your coolant level going down? You can also test for a blown head gasket. Exhaust gasses in the coolant. There could be water trapped in the muffler. You need to isolate if it's water or coolant. Hopefully its water, check your intercooler and hoses. That uses water.

 

[Northern Seadoo Guy]

Is your coolant level going down? You can also test for a blown head gasket. Exhaust gasses in the coolant. There could be water trapped in the muffler. You need to isolate if it's water or coolant. Hopefully its water, check your intercooler and hoses. That uses water.

Thanks for your advice!

 

[ski-d00]

Leaking intercooler will turn your oil milky and give you the exact loss of power you are describing.

 

[Northern Seadoo Guy]

Leaking intercooler will turn your oil milky and give you the exact loss of power you are describing.

Thanks, I’m going to start with the intercooler first since it’s easier and seems to be more of a common issue. I’ll let you all know my findings once I get this done

 

[squared]

I agree with the intercooler assessment. You probably know this, but you've got to change the oil and filter. Wipe out as much of the milky oil as you can from the filter housing. The only way to get all of the remaining water out of the engine is to boil it off at idle after changing it. Will take about 30-45 minutes to completely boil it off depending on how much was in the crankcase. Pull the dipstick out slightly and wrap a rag around it to capture steam and boiling water. Pump needs to be submerged in water or something to cool the carbon seal. I wouldn't run it past idle until it's gone as you risk damaging bearing surfaces.

 

[Northern Seadoo Guy]

I agree with the intercooler assessment. You probably know this, but you've got to change the oil and filter. Wipe out as much of the milky oil as you can from the filter housing. The only way to get all of the remaining water out of the engine is to boil it off at idle after changing it. Will take about 30-45 minutes to completely boil it off depending on how much was in the crankcase. Pull the dipstick out slightly and wrap a rag around it to capture steam and boiling water. Pump needs to be submerged in water or something to cool the carbon seal. I wouldn't run it past idle until it's gone as you risk damaging bearing surfaces.

Thanks for the information!