1996 GTI Runs fine OUT of water, but not IN water

[inyadrms]

I just bought a 1996 GTI - the owner said it had issues with running. He took it to the lake and it ran fine then all of a sudden all it did was idle. Once he took it out of the water it ran fine again. (revved engine and all)

He took it to a shop and they said it needed a new carburetor rebuild. They did the work, he took it to the lake and the same problem.. He took it back to the shop and they said it was the fuel relay? He had it replaced, and decided to sell it. Never went back to the lake to see if it truly was the issue.

I have yet to take it to the lake yet to see if his last fix worked, but was wondering if anyone had any other suggestions before I did. I am completely new to the waverunner family and know nothing about them. The gauges also don't work. Any ideas?

 

[my787]

I just bought a 1996 GTI - the owner said it had issues with running. He took it to the lake and it ran fine then all of a sudden all it did was idle. Once he took it out of the water it ran fine again. (revved engine and all)

He took it to a shop and they said it needed a new carburetor rebuild. They did the work, he took it to the lake and the same problem.. He took it back to the shop and they said it was the fuel relay? He had it replaced, and decided to sell it. Never went back to the lake to see if it truly was the issue.

I have yet to take it to the lake yet to see if his last fix worked, but was wondering if anyone had any other suggestions before I did. I am completely new to the waverunner family and know nothing about them. The gauges also don't work. Any ideas?

first of all, welcome to the seadooforum!

Your problem maybe the compression. When these things get in the water, they will not start if they don't have enough compression. Unfortunately, this means the top end needs to be rebuilt. I would take it to a shop and have them compression test it to see if it's in the 135-150 range. If below 135 at sea level, it's time for a rebuild.

 

[inyadrms]

Thanks for the response!

From what I understand, the last owner said its not a starting issue as it fires right up. It just wont do anything but idle while its IN the water. Once it's OUT of the water it revs and runs fine. I am planning on taking it this weekend to the lake to see if the last fix done actually fixed it, however from what I have read... I'm not sure that the fuel relay? (is that right?) and the carb truly was the issue.

If I wanted to do a compression test, how would I do that?

And if it needs a top end rebuild, what does something like that run? I hope I didn't get screwed buying these.

 

[my787]

Thanks for the response!

From what I understand, the last owner said its not a starting issue as it fires right up. It just wont do anything but idle while its IN the water. Once it's OUT of the water it revs and runs fine. I am planning on taking it this weekend to the lake to see if the last fix done actually fixed it, however from what I have read... I'm not sure that the fuel relay? (is that right?) and the carb truly was the issue.

If I wanted to do a compression test, how would I do that?

And if it needs a top end rebuild, what does something like that run? I hope I didn't get screwed buying these.

You can buy a compression test gauge from an auto parts store. However, some gauges show different readings compared to others, so you might be better off buying a more expensive gauge. You pull the spark plugs out, insert the end of the compression gauge into the spark plug well, and crank the engine with the fuel turned off and the throttle opened all the way up. You want your readings to be withing 10% of each other. IE, 145 and 150 would be fine, but 130 and 150 would not.

Engines need three things to run properly: spark, fuel, and compression. One simple thing to do is check the spark by pulling the plugs and starting the engine with the plugs grounded and the spark plug boot connected. If you see spark from the plug, you know you're getting spark.

If the sea doo starts out of the water, you know it's getting fuel and spark. But the compression you have to check with the gauge. A compression test is a simple way to see how healthy the engine is. I would start there first and then if that checks out, look at spark and fuel. If your seadoo has gray fuel lines you can almost bet the carbs are clogged again. It is recommeneded that all grey fuel lines are replaced with black automotive fuel line.

 

[roneagan@cfl.rr.com]

Check to see if you still have gray fuel lines, if you do GET RID OF THEM..
The lines get filled with this green gel crap that gets into the carb filters.. If thats the case you may not be getting enough fuel.. Also the fuel selector switch may be restricting fuel flow.. If you do have them you will need to rebuild the carbs and change all the fuel lines.. If you run with a lean condition there is a real chance you may destroy the engine..

 

[LouDoo]

Fuel Delivery Problem

You have a fuel delivery problem, the ski will use more fuel under load than sitting on the trailer. So it's running too lean under load.

You need to replace the grey fuel lines, clean or replace the main fuel filter, the two carb. filters (1 in each carb.) and clean or replace the fuel selector (I would strongly suggest replacing).

Lou