1994 GTX Won't start after running for a while.

[dalef62]

I have a 1994 GTX with a 657 motor. It is my wife's ski and when we go out it will start right off at the ramp. We ride for a while, then go to the dock and rest for a while and when she goes to start it, it will not start. It turns over fine, just will not fire. Compression is good(around 145 in both jugs). Fuel lines have been changed, fuel selector cleaned, (new one on the shelf). Nothing was real dirty, no green goo. I have tried all kinds of things to get it to go. Have let it sit,(about 1 hour) thinking it was hot, pulled the thing out of the water thinking there was too much load with the pump, changed plugs with new ones. I have towed this ski (at idle speed) to the ramp to load it back on the trailer with my Kawasaki 3 times. Get it back home and while on the trailer it take a lot to get it to start. I really think it is fuel related but I am not really sure. The battery is good, until I run it down trying to start it. Starter is good, new plugs. The problem started last summer AFTER I changed out the fuel hoses over the winter. They are put back on the proper way, fuel sending unit was also repaired at the same time to fix the gauge. The carbs have not been rebuilt but were fine prior to the fuel line change. I did pull the filter from the one accessible carb while on the ski and it had a little debris in it, not much though. I guess the old saying, "If it isn't broke, don't fix it" applies here. Should have left the fuel lines alone...
Two thoughts that I have right now, one is change the fuel selector, as I have a new one here. Two, remove the carbs and clean them. It is too cold here to take them to the lake to try them so I will have to try and find the problem while it sits in the garage.
Does anyone else have any ideas? Why does it start at the ramp and not at the dock? I do start the ski prior to dumping it in the water.

 

[96spxpos]

well if it runs fine for a while, then you have trouble restarting it while its warm, I think your carbs DEFINITELY need rebuilding INCLUDING the needles and seats...appears as if the needle are worn/sticking open and you may have fuel flooding the carbs and by the time you go to restart, its flooded...
Only a guess, but regardless, you most definitely need to rebuild the carbs, especially if you've never done it or have not done it in a while

 

[96spxpos]

also, since you've got new plugs, have you made sure they are gapped properly? take the boots off, clip the wires a 1/4 inch and reattach firmly.. these are all little preventative maintenance and good housekeeping tips that should be done regularly anyway

 

[Austrian Rotax]

As 96spx said I would say one of those things are most likely problem. If not its possible it could have too much RV clearance causing very hard starting but unlikely.

 

[LKGrider]

Fuel tank vent clogged? i see that on boats from time to time. Same scenario. Fuel tank will actually pull a vacuum and it will almost try to suck fuel away from the carbs till she cools all the way down and vacuum dissipates. Try cracking the fuel cap when it does it and see if it starts. Just a thought.

 

[mikidymac]

Fuel tank vent clogged? i see that on boats from time to time. Same scenario. Fuel tank will actually pull a vacuum and it will almost try to suck fuel away from the carbs till she cools all the way down and vacuum dissipates. Try cracking the fuel cap when it does it and see if it starts. Just a thought.

Was on the same track but on these the fuel tank pressure relief can fail and the tank builds up too much pressure coupled with old needle and seats and that pressure will flood the engine as 96spx mentioned.

 

[dalef62]

Thanks for all the ideas, will start by rebuilding the carbs. I checked the vents on the tank and they were clear.

 

[1983]

-This was one of the culprits on my 96' xp. Keep in mind that there are 2 vents.

-The one below the rub rail is usually at fault because it is exposed to water ingress. This one below rub rail allows air out of the tank, expelling psi.

-The vent up high on the ski by the latch for the hood compartment allows air into the fuel tank.

-I'm not sure exactly the locations of these vents on your model but I would be sure they are similar. I would remove them and check to make sure they are allowing air in and out correctly. The needle and seats were also bad on mine, so it was a couple trips to the lake this past summer to get these problems ironed out.

-Rob.

Thanks for all the ideas, will start by rebuilding the carbs. I checked the vents on the tank and they were clear.