1997 GTI problems HELP needed

[mcnameez]

Hi guys, this is my first post sorry for the length.
97 GTI stopped running, I was not riding, son said it just quit and wont start. Ski would turn over but wont start. Once on land checked fuel filter and had fuel flow to carb. shot starter fluid into carb and it fired. Thinking it might be filter in SBN 40. Removed carb and checked SBN 40 filter, it was clean.
Noticed missing allen screw ( 1 of 2 ) that secures flame arrestor, only one place for it to go, in the intake? checked compression and both cylinders are aprox 125psi. Grounded plug wires before cranking and observed psi reading. As soon as I stopped cranking psi dropped to 0. Maybe bad gauge?

My thoughts are, I have two problems: need a carb rebuild and missing screw. I am gussing 125psi is not bad so the cylinders have not been affected by missing screw. Going to pull motor and check lower end for screw and any damage. If I have damage or scoring of crankshaft I am thinking of contacting SBT and replacing the short block.

I will also replace gray fuel hoses (original) , rebuild carb, and replace small oil pump lines and oil filter.

Can anyone think of any other items to check or replace and let me know if I am on track.

Thanks in advance

Kevin

 

[Strizzo]

If the gauge doesn't hold a reading after you stop cranking, then it's bad, try with another gauge before tearing things apart.

It was the screw under the flame arrestor screen that's gone? On my ski, those are fairly long, would it be able to back out with the screen still over it?

 

[mcnameez]

Thanks, will try a new gauge, this one is old,old,old...I will have to check the length of the other allen screw and see if it is possible to back out with the flame arrestor in place.

 

[Dr Honda]

125 is low... but it should run. BUT... as above... the gauge should hold... so it's leaking pressure.


BUT.......... if it just stopped running... it's not a carb related issue. Well... it could be... but it's going to be something mechanical. When carbs need a "Rebuild"... the ski will start to run poorly... not just stop.

If you have a carb/airbox bolt missing... I'm thinking that your Rotary valve is messed up. Once you get the carbs off... crank the engine, and watch the valve. It should rotate smooth.