1997 gtx fuel problem

[Nickelbn1]

I have a 97 gtx that just started having problems running whenever the fuel is in the "on" position. It will sputter and act like its not getting enough fuel, but if you switch it over to reserve, it will run just fine. Any ideas???

 

[chucked]

You put a 4-tec in a '97 gtx? (smart-ass tone)

 

[Seadoobuddy]

Nickel - Welcome to the forum.
The "ON" tube may have a crack or hole in it, letting in air. That is not good for any engine.
2 suggestions - 1. pull the baffle and replace both "tubes"(IDK if they are replaceable) or just replace the whole darn thing.
2. run on reserve all the time, but you'll have to watch your fuel level closely so you don't run out of gas.

 

[Nickelbn1]

Thanks. Can you give a good recommendation on what type of line it needs to be? Does it need to be special watercraft hose?

 

[Seadoobuddy]

Sorry i wasn't too clear on that "Tube". It's not really a tube like a hose.

See part #20 in this diagram http://partsfinder.onlinemicrofiche.com/dooware/showmodel.asp?Type=13&make=seadoopwc&A=43&B=15

I took mine out, but my problem was a bad float. Hopefully someone else will post a better explanation of it.

Search for fuel baffle on this site and see what you find.

 

[LouDoo]

I think SDB is talking about the fuel baffle. Usually it's the float get the new molded type.

Lou

 

[Nickelbn1]

can I just use fuel line from an automotive store to replace my fuel lines?

 

[LouDoo]

Sure, you'll need about 22' of 1/4" automotive fuel line, here's a thread on the subject.

http://www.seadooforum.com/showthre...el-Delivery-Problems-low-revs-bogging-surging

Lou

 

[bigJake]

could be a clogged fuel selector valve???

 

[ski-d00]

Jake's got it, those year fuel selector valves are notorious for having problems. The baffle themselves are very reliable and don't crack very often, this excludes the float and fuel level sensor which fail almost immediately.

 

[Nickelbn1]

Jake's got it, those year fuel selector valves are notorious for having problems. The baffle themselves are very reliable and don't crack very often, this excludes the float and fuel level sensor which fail almost immediately.

I got it all apart last night. The float inside the baffle is the molded one and its just fine. So it must be the fuse is blown on the board. I am replacing all my fuel lines with new lines. I took out the fuel selector valve too and found some crud in the on side, but not a lot. Cleaned it out really good. Thanks for all the help

 

[Seadoobuddy]

Glad you did clean the selector.
Don't mess with the baffle fuse just yet..it may not be blown.
Since you found crud in the "on" position part of the selector, run it in the lake and see if the problem goes away

 

[LouDoo]

Your problem has nothing to do with the float or fuel baffle, sorry I got confused from another thread. If you were able to clear the fuel selector you've got it fixed. Personally I have not had a lot of luck cleaning the valves, I just purchase a new one, about $20.00.

Lou

 

[Nickelbn1]

Sorry, the reason I am messing with the baffle is because my speedometer doesn't work. My fuel filter is pretty cruddy too. Any ideas how to clean it?

 

[bigJake]

soak it in castrol super clean

 

[Seadoobuddy]

If you are talking about part #15 in this diagram then do as Jake suggests or use carb cleaner/compressed air.

http://partsfinder.onlinemicrofiche.com/dooware/showmodel.asp?Type=13&make=seadoopwc&A=43&B=15

If you are talking about an in-line filter then just replace it.

PS...I got this diagram from the "parts" link at top of page.

 

[LouDoo]

Do not use carb. cleaner on the water separator/fuel filter, it will melt the plastic filter. Use Castrol super clean, purple power, or soap and water.

Lou

 

[bigJake]

SDB, you just require constant watchin to make sure you ain't costing people money will ill advice. We know ya dun banged yer head on that pipe in the garage but damn boy be careful with what yer tellin people.

 

[Nickelbn1]

My mechanic friend got the filter clean for me. I told him not to use carb cleaner. Not sure what he used, but its clean. My speedometer now works after fixing the burnt fuse issue on my baffle.

 

[Nickelbn1]

Took my ski out yesterday. Still having the issue. Let me describe it better....with the fuel in the on position its fine even when you are going slow and punch it. No sputtering noticed. But once you reach forty mph it maxes out and pulses like it wants to go faster but cant get enough fuel. I flipped it to reserve and then i got to 55mph and no pulsing. But then a few minutes later i was still on reserve and punched it and at forty it started pulsing like it was before. Stopped and turned it off a minute. Cranked it back up with it on reserve and it was fine again. Flipped back to on and same problem again. Weird. Ideas?

 

[LouDoo]

Replace the fuel selector valve. I've never has success cleaning them, there's a rubber washer inside the valve that gets deformed with time.

Lou

 

[Nickelbn1]

Replace the fuel selector valve. I've never has success cleaning them, there's a rubber washer inside the valve that gets deformed with time.

Lou

I have replaced the fuel selector valve and still having the problem. Now it does not seem to matter if its on the on position or reserve,it does it either way. Its hit and miss though. It doesnt do ut 100% of the time. If its doing it you can shut it off for a few minutes crank it back up and then its fine again for a little while. Any other ideas? The main fuel line that goes from the fuel filter by the selector valve has not been replaced yet.

 

[LouDoo]

Check the "O" ring where the bowl attaches at the fuel filter/water separator.

Lou