1996 GTX - New Rectifier - idle still low out of water?

[CZSteve]

Bought a pair of identically 1996 GTX's; one has been sitting idle (pun not intended) after it's initial outing - it sputtered and bogged down right away after hitting ~ 45mph's; seemed to go into a limp mode as I returned to the ramp. All grey fuel lines have been changed out and carb fliters cleaned. The second ski runs fine and had been just using it since then - trying to get the second figured out now that the kids are older.

I just changed out the rectifier on the first ski hoping that was the problem; idle speed out of the water on the hose is only 1500. It starts fine but doesn't seem to be as 'smooth' as the other ski and I was hoping the rectifier was the problem when the ski fell on it's face but the low idle speed has me 'assuming' the rectifier was problem - now have not tried this ski in the water yet to confirm I still have the top end / limp mode problem.

What's been done:
- New Plugs, fuel lines, fuel filter, oil filter, oil lines.
- New oil pump; had a leak coming from the pump itslef.
- New rectifier.
- NOTE: I discovered a fuel leak that appears to be coming from the return line @ the plastic v-fitting on the carbs (I left the original crimp clamp when I pulled the carbs - need to p/u some worm screw clamps).


- Prior to lake testing any other things to check?
- Sound like a fuel problem or electrical?
- Stator possibly bad?
- Just try adjusting the idle speed screw?

Thoughts?

 

[rvaughn704]

I would put it in the lake. You can adjust the idle speed screw there. It is easy enough to doin the water.

 

[soccerdad]

When you last had it at the lake, had the lines and carbs been cleaned yet or was this after? The rectifier certainly could be the top end issue. I am not sure the rectifier is the problem for the low idle speed or smoothness. But I could be wrong. If the idle is only 1500 and rough, then it may stall out in the water. I would put it on the hose (start, water on, water off, stop) and set the idle up. Then give it a few blips of the throttle to see what it is doing. It may idle rough at 1500 but should be smooth at 3000. Don't run for more than a minute at a time, even on the hose, unless you pull the carbon seal back with zip ties or come up with a way to keep water on it.

Most issues are with some fuel issue. Looks like you have addressed most. Perhaps you just moved the idle screw some during carb cleaning. I also assume compression is good? What is it?

 

[CZSteve]

Thanks for the replies. Yes, I was obviously wondering if the rectifier correlated to the idle speed - didn't even think I may have changed the idle screw position when I had the carbs off... :facepalm:

Soccerdad: I like the idea of pulling the carbon seal back to limit wear while on the hose but didn't see any thread on how to do during a brief search - Can you elaborate or share a link on how to do?
(plan on adjusting in the drive and then tweaking @ the lake)

Thanks again,
Steve

 

[Mickirig1]

Find a lake at off time at the ramp. So no one wants use the ramp. Back the ski in and start still tied to the trailer. Warm it up for a few minutes. Engine is cooled and carbon seal is wet. Adjust the low speed screw, then idle. See the sticky at top if forum about adjusting the carb. To ease the adjustment take air box off. leave flame arrester on, with the air box plate over top it held in with 4 bolts. Seems to be adjusted? Put air box back on. Launch ski and take it for a run around.