1996 SEADOO GTX, just bought it! First PWC,

[jimini cricket]

Hello Community!!!
I just bought a SEADOO GTX:cheers:, 1996, for $1500 without a trailer. Did i paid too much? The craft is in good shape visually, all there. Mechanically as far as i could feel and tell, it ran strong at about 45 mph. I thought that it should go quicker, i understand it should cruise at 55 mph WOT. When i first tested it, it ran smooth, but when i took it to a lake after i bought it, the gas light came on and it sputtered a little and had a few hesitations at WOT. The engine has not been opened since the paint over the bolts is untouched, everything looks original.

I have not check compression or anything yet. This is my first ever jet ski, i am mechanically incline with cars and i can figure things out; but i have never owned a jet ski or a boat, so i am green as green can be about PWC, so any help, comments, enlightenment, advice, admonishments, or critic are all very welcomed.

I feel that the first thing i need is a shop manual for the craft and a owner's manual. I understand that i can find manuals here? But are the manual the Shop Manuals? and where can i get a Owner's Manual?

Thank you to all! and enjoy life!

 

[Coastiejoe]

Normally both manuals are available here at the site.

Does the ski have Grey Tempo Fuel lines?

And,, doesn't matter what you paid now that you have bought it.. LOL

The Grey Tempo line question is a big one, take a look and let us know..

 

[soccerdad]

Welcome aboard! Great ski. See my Shamu thread (link below) to see some of the things that you may need to do. The top speed may be a bad carb problem or just a worn jet pump wear ring. Post pictures of everything and we can help. And I would not take it out again until you MAKE SURE the fuel lines are carbs are clean. The fastest way to kill one of these ($1200 motor repair) is to run them with a bad fuel system. A couple of hundred in parts and you will have a sweet ride!

 

[jimini cricket]

Grey tempo lines?

Thank you very much for the quick replies! Much appreciated

Is it correct to understand that i can get the manuals here but i need to become a premium member? or can you get the manuals without becoming a premium member? Either way is good with me.

Thank you for the advice about the grey tempo lines, now i need to identify them, are they really grey...i need the manual:willy_nilly:

LOL! you are right, is mine no matter what! lol!

I will be posting pictures soon!

Normally both manuals are available here at the site.

Does the ski have Grey Tempo Fuel lines?

And,, doesn't matter what you paid now that you have bought it.. LOL

The Grey Tempo line question is a big one, take a look and let us know..

 

[jimini cricket]

Thank you for your time and advice. I will not be taking this lady out until those few hundred dollars worth of repairs are done, by me. Do you have any suggestions as to where i can get new carbs? are they worth rebuilding? Do they have rebuild kits for them. What are the best chemicals to clean carbs with? chemicals to run through the system to clean it when the motor is on?

It is ironic that you answered my post and thank you, i feel honor. I had already gone to the rebuild forum here and had looked at your rebuilding project Shamu, it inspired me and i am looking forward to getting my hands dirty in this new found hobby; so thank you very much for the inspiration. I want to make this old lady a young lady again, so i am looking forward to doing everything it needs to be done before i place her in the water again.

So i am going to start with the carbs and everything down from there. What else should i change just to be smart about it?

Again, thank you....

 

[jimini cricket]

Welcome aboard! Great ski. See my Shamu thread (link below) to see some of the things that you may need to do. The top speed may be a bad carb problem or just a worn jet pump wear ring. Post pictures of everything and we can help. And I would not take it out again until you MAKE SURE the fuel lines are carbs are clean. The fastest way to kill one of these ($1200 motor repair) is to run them with a bad fuel system. A couple of hundred in parts and you will have a sweet ride!

Thank you for your time and advice. I will not be taking this lady out until those few hundred dollars worth of repairs are done, by me. Do you have any suggestions as to where i can get new carbs? are they worth rebuilding? Do they have rebuild kits for them. What are the best chemicals to clean carbs with? chemicals to run through the system to clean it when the motor is on?

It is ironic that you answered my post and thank you, i feel honor. I had already gone to the rebuild forum here and had looked at your rebuilding project Shamu, it inspired me and i am looking forward to getting my hands dirty in this new found hobby; so thank you very much for the inspiration. I want to make this old lady a young lady again, so i am looking forward to doing everything it needs to be done before i place her in the water again.

So i am going to start with the carbs and everything down from there. What else should i change just to be smart about it?

Again, thank you....

 

[soccerdad]

Thanks for the compliments. I was in your shoes just 16 months ago with a ski in the garage and I had never even sat on one before.

The carbs are easily rebuildable. You should get some genuine Mikuni kits. And also get a couple sets of needles/seats. You can get them lots of places on the net. A member here [MENTION=41828]Minnetonka4me[/MENTION] sells these kits and almost anything else you need. You may be able to find them for a few bucks cheaper, but Tonka knows what he is doing and will make sure you get the correct stuff. The manual is a great place to start. You can google it and get one free on line. Also available if you become a paying member of the forum. You should also be able to find an operator's manual online for it. I think I have the stuff if you need it. PM me if you cant find it online. Just take your time and keep posting questions if you get stuck. You need a basic set of metric tools and a decent set of metric hex wrenches / sockets. And air ratchet really helps when you pull off the carbs. Before you put the carbs back on, it is best to change the small white painted oil injection lines and drain the oil tank unless you know exactly what oil the PO was using. Change the inline oil filter while you are at it. Tonka has the lines and filters. Home Depots or lawnmower shops also carry the line.

Once you get all that done, at least change the oil in the jet pump. Also inspect the wear ring. The manual will tell you how. Post if you run into problems or find bad things.

Good luck and have fun! Oh yeah, check out my post on the GTX beer holder that I found yesterday!

 

[Coastiejoe]

Is it correct to understand that i can get the manuals here but i need to become a premium member? or can you get the manuals without becoming a premium member? Either way is good with me.

Thank you for the advice about the grey tempo lines, now i need to identify them, are they really grey...i need the manual:willy_nilly:!

Manuals: Yes, as a member the manuals are free.
Grey Tempo Fuel Lines: Yes, they are grey, but more important, they are labeled Grey Tempo as that is their name brand. Some have said they are black, so take a good look at them

If you have them I will expand, but suffice to say they are engine killers....

 

[jimini cricket]

Thanks for the compliments. I was in your shoes just 16 months ago with a ski in the garage and I had never even sat on one before.

The carbs are easily rebuildable. You should get some genuine Mikuni kits. And also get a couple sets of needles/seats. You can get them lots of places on the net. A member here [MENTION=41828]Minnetonka4me[/MENTION] sells these kits and almost anything else you need. You may be able to find them for a few bucks cheaper, but Tonka knows what he is doing and will make sure you get the correct stuff. The manual is a great place to start. You can google it and get one free on line. Also available if you become a paying member of the forum. You should also be able to find an operator's manual online for it. I think I have the stuff if you need it. PM me if you cant find it online. Just take your time and keep posting questions if you get stuck. You need a basic set of metric tools and a decent set of metric hex wrenches / sockets. And air ratchet really helps when you pull off the carbs. Before you put the carbs back on, it is best to change the small white painted oil injection lines and drain the oil tank unless you know exactly what oil the PO was using. Change the inline oil filter while you are at it. Tonka has the lines and filters. Home Depots or lawnmower shops also carry the line.

Once you get all that done, at least change the oil in the jet pump. Also inspect the wear ring. The manual will tell you how. Post if you run into problems or find bad things.

Good luck and have fun! Oh yeah, check out my post on the GTX beer holder that I found yesterday!

Thanks for all the advice, i am floored by the support here! thanks a lot, i will be posting pictures soon, been busy as heck lately, i already private message the Tonka4me fellow that have all the parts and iam asking him for the carb kits, fuel lines, all the filters, wear ring and anything else that i need to bring it up to date.
If i am going to change the oil in the jet pump what is the very best oil out there to replace it with?
Again, thank you very much for all the help, i can't say thank you enough.

 

[jimini cricket]

Thanks for the compliments. I was in your shoes just 16 months ago with a ski in the garage and I had never even sat on one before.

The carbs are easily rebuildable. You should get some genuine Mikuni kits. And also get a couple sets of needles/seats. You can get them lots of places on the net. A member here [MENTION=41828]Minnetonka4me[/MENTION] sells these kits and almost anything else you need. You may be able to find them for a few bucks cheaper, but Tonka knows what he is doing and will make sure you get the correct stuff. The manual is a great place to start. You can google it and get one free on line. Also available if you become a paying member of the forum. You should also be able to find an operator's manual online for it. I think I have the stuff if you need it. PM me if you cant find it online. Just take your time and keep posting questions if you get stuck. You need a basic set of metric tools and a decent set of metric hex wrenches / sockets. And air ratchet really helps when you pull off the carbs. Before you put the carbs back on, it is best to change the small white painted oil injection lines and drain the oil tank unless you know exactly what oil the PO was using. Change the inline oil filter while you are at it. Tonka has the lines and filters. Home Depots or lawnmower shops also carry the line.

Once you get all that done, at least change the oil in the jet pump. Also inspect the wear ring. The manual will tell you how. Post if you run into problems or find bad things.

Good luck and have fun! Oh yeah, check out my post on the GTX beer holder that I found yesterday!

Where can i find the beer holder? sorry! still trying to learn the site.

 

[Coastiejoe]

Where can i find the beer holder? sorry! still trying to learn the site.

Remove the seat, there are two indentations that fit beer bottle very well...

 

[jimini cricket]

Normally both manuals are available here at the site.

Does the ski have Grey Tempo Fuel lines?

And,, doesn't matter what you paid now that you have bought it.. LOL

The Grey Tempo line question is a big one, take a look and let us know..

Hi,
Sorry, i missed this post!:facepalm: yes, they are grey and they say tempo with MM sizes imprinted on them.
thanks

 

[Coastiejoe]

Grey Tempo Fuel Lines

In simple terms, Grey Tempo Fuel Lines are basically allergic to ethanol. A "Green Goo" substance is formed due to a chemical reaction between the fuel Lines and the ethanol. This goo builds up within the lines, connections and fittings, at the fuel selector valve as well as at and within the carburetor.

No matter what other complaints, issues or symptoms you are having, if you have Grey Tempo Fuel lines they need to be replaced. At the same time, the fuel selector needs to be MAJORLY cleaned or replaced ($20 or so). the fuel selector is know to suck air at the center rubber seal. This could be a result of age and or the cleaner that is used. If you re-use the fuel selector and have an issue, check the center seal well. Replace the lines one at a time so that you do not cross the lines and instal them in an incorrect location.

The carbs will need cleaned very well. Check the needle and seat area as well as all passages. When you get to the internal filters, these should be cleaned with warm soapy water. They are plastic and carb cleaner may harm them. If they are very dirty, use the carb cleaner and then clean them with soap and water to remove the carb cleaner.

You should replace all lines as with the 2-stroke system, the fuel and oil is mixed and travels all through the engine. For example, the pulse line to the fuel pump. Though no fuel truly runs through the line, the air within the crank case will have ethanol in it. Many have not replaced the vent line and not had issues. In my opinion, I would replace it for the simple fact that 98% will be replaced, might as well complete the job.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[jimini cricket]

I am trying to upload photos of my seadoo and i am not able, am i doing something wrong? It says that it is uploading them, but it doesn't show the file or anything...any advice? Finally have pictures and now i can't seem to upload them.

 

[Coastiejoe]

For some, uploading pics is easy, others, it is a struggle.

I use Tapatalk app, super easy to upload images..

 

[jimini cricket]

Hello, is there any difference in fuel lines in jetski than those used in car motors?

 

[Coastiejoe]

Hello, is there any difference in fuel lines in jetski than those used in car motors?

If you are asking if it is ok to use automotive fuel line, yes,, That is what most use.

 

[jimini cricket]

If you are asking if it is ok to use automotive fuel line, yes,, That is what most use.

atriot: Thanks!

 

[jimini cricket]

Well, here i am again! Today i bought a bunch of parts for my Doo from Nick at Minnetonka4me and i can't wait to get those suckers. I wish i could post pictures but i have tried till the cows came home and i couldn't do it. I almost got the carburetors out today. I bought a bunch of 1/4 fuel line and tomorrow i am going to pull the gas and oil tank and change the fuel lines. Are there any dangers of internal corrosion when you pull the carbs out and leave the intake exposed?

Isn't it easier to work on the carburetors by taking the head pipe assembly out? Can those gaskets be reused?

Can anyone suggest a good fuel line that it is not black colored?

Thank you to all who have helped me so far, thanks to soccerdad for the minnetonka4me refrence and for all the good advice, and to all others! Thanks!:cheers:

 

[reedsposer22]

I am in same boat as this thread OP. Just bought 1996 GTI. Fuel lines are not the grey tempo lines. It runs good. Have not ridden, but owner started it when I bought and it started right away, no issues. My main question is how can I clean out the inner engine compartment?

Also, carb was serviced in 2013, do I need to do again? Thanks

 

[jimini cricket]

For some, uploading pics is easy, others, it is a struggle.

I use Tapatalk app, super easy to upload images..

Where do i get Tapatalk?
thanks!

Update!
Forget Tapatalk i can not use it, it is for phones, i am on a laptop, any suggestions. I want to upload pictures...HELP! :banghead:

 

[jimini cricket]

I am in same boat as this thread OP. Just bought 1996 GTI. Fuel lines are not the grey tempo lines. It runs good. Have not ridden, but owner started it when I bought and it started right away, no issues. My main question is how can I clean out the inner engine compartment?

Also, carb was serviced in 2013, do I need to do again? Thanks

I used dishwashing liquid, a sprayer, a tooth brush, and a long handle scrub brush and it came out pretty clean. I made a heavy solution of dishwashing liquid and water and sprayed the whole compartment, then i scrubbed the bejesus out of it and rinse it and BANG! it looked darned good!

Maybe someone else has a better method? Like using a power sprayer? can that be done?

 

[soccerdad]

OK, to wash the bilge, go to wally world or the autoparts store and get some Super Clean. I put it in a spray bottle and spray down everything. Then wait a few minutes. Hit is with a scrub brush if you can, and wash away with a hose. Stuff is awesome! Some just put a bucket of the stuff in there and drive around. Then empty it. A pressure washer also works great, just not too much pressure and not on electronics or the carbs.

Upload your photos to Photobucket.com. Then you copy the image file link (on the right side) and paste the link into your post. That works great. You can upload from a PC or phone.

 

[RodInEscondido]

Where do i get Tapatalk?
thanks!

Update!
Forget Tapatalk i can not use it, it is for phones, i am on a laptop, any suggestions. I want to upload pictures...HELP! :banghead:

I think there was a posting here regarding size limits for uploads. I found in the past that pics straight from the camera/phone would not upload and were generally larger than 3mb. I opened them with PaintShopPro and saved them to result in size slightly larger than 1mb which uploaded ok.

 

[jimini cricket]

Well, here i am again! Today i bought a bunch of parts for my Doo from Nick at Minnetonka4me and i can't wait to get those suckers. I wish i could post pictures but i have tried till the cows came home and i couldn't do it. I almost got the carburetors out today. I bought a bunch of 1/4 fuel line and tomorrow i am going to pull the gas and oil tank and change the fuel lines. Are there any dangers of internal corrosion when you pull the carbs out and leave the intake exposed?

Isn't it easier to work on the carburetors by taking the head pipe assembly out? Can those gaskets be reused?

Can anyone suggest a good fuel line that it is not black colored?

Thank you to all who have helped me so far, thanks to soccerdad for the minnetonka4me refrence and for all the good advice, and to all others! Thanks!