1996 Seadoo Spx

[Kane Triggs]

Hi guys.
I've got a 1996 Seadoo Spx and it will only get to around 20 - 25 mph.
It struggles starting but once it's going it runs great.
Its had a complete engine rebuild (stock 717) and carbs cleaned, also had new rectifier, spark plugs and new fuel lines.
Any idea what could be wrong or if we need to buy any new parts?
Thanks in Advance

 

[mikidymac]

Does the engine struggle to run and rev up?
Or does the engine rev up but doesn't move forward like a slipping clutch?

 

[Kane Triggs]

It runs but bottoms out at high revs, sort of runs in bursts to 25 mph, Instead of running at normal speed fluidly

 

[etemplet]

What Miki is asking will determine if you have a wear ring issue. For me, if the engine forward motion is not proportional to the amount of throttle given... I check the wear ring. If you nail the throttle from slow speed the ski should launch and get on top quickly.

First picture is the impeller and wear ring. Clearance should not be more than .040 per side. I change mine pretty quick. I want all the GO I can get. Excessive clearance causes serious performance issues. SECOND and THIRD pictures (same ski) poor guy just kinda MISSED the impeller bore with the drive shaft. Owner said, it wouldn't move in forward or reverse.

 

[Kane Triggs]

Thank you. Will have to have a look. It seems ok just looking the the back but will have to get into it properly. If that's not the case, I've been told it could be the ignition coil, any ideas if that could be right?

 

[mikidymac]

If it's not the impeller acting like a slipping clutch 99.9% of the time it's the carbs.

Were your carbs rebuilt only using Genuine Mikuni kits, with the original springs (not the ones in the kits) and new genuine Mikuni needle and seats? If any answer to those questions is no then it's your carbs.

 

[Kane Triggs]

If it's not the impeller acting like a slipping clutch 99.9% of the time it's the carbs.

Were your carbs rebuilt only using Genuine Mikuni kits, with the original springs (not the ones in the kits) and new genuine Mikuni needle and seats? If any answer to those questions is no then it's your carbs.

If it's not the impeller acting like a slipping clutch 99.9% of the time it's the carbs.

Were your carbs rebuilt only using Genuine Mikuni kits, with the original springs (not the ones in the kits) and new genuine Mikuni needle and seats? If any answer to those questions is no then it's your carbs.

So carbs were taken out about 5 or 6 times during the process of getting the ski to run at all. We've used only genuine Mikuni bits with original springs as it kept flooding with the new ones

 

[Kane Triggs]

I've Checked the impeller and wear ring and both are there in good condition. So struggling to think what is wrong. I've been recommended to try iridium plugs to see if it helps and also get a new ignition coil. What do you guys think? (Sorry I'm new to skis so not sure on solutions)

 

[etemplet]

Well, it can't be running great then if that is all it does. Unless you mean it runs great out of the water which doesn't mean a whole lot. Do a compression check first off. These things can get weird sometimes but you have to start off with the basics. They are sneaky.

 

[Kane Triggs]

I checked a few weeks ago, and the compression was around 140 145 on both cilinders, been told they're meant to be around 150?

 

[etemplet]

Pressure up the fuel system back to the tank to make sure you don't have any leaks. I use line clamps to block of the lines at the tank and pressure up which allows me to check the fuel valve operation and sealing. Good Luck. Like others, after what you have stated, I suspect the carbs. Good Luck !

 

[mikidymac]

No need for iridium plugs. Probably not coil if it’s sparking.

More than likely carbs.

Could be voltage regulator also.

 

[Kane Triggs]

Checked the carbs today. All seems ok. Voltage regulator has been changed