1997 GTX getting started

[JerryLook]

Hi all
I recently acquired a pair of 1997 GTX. I was told they don’t run because of fuel problems. The registrations show they were last on the water in 2021.
I’m not sure if the previous owner stored them for 4 years and then they wouldn’t run, or if they were parked because they wouldn’t run.

From what I’ve read online, the fuel hoses break down on these and let a bunk of gunk into the fuel system. The fix seems to be to replace the lines and clean the fuel filters on the carbs. I checked mine and they do have the gray fuel lines.

I have no money into these jet skis. If I wanted to just see if they’re worth putting some time into, is the best option to pour a little fuel mix into each carb and see if it will run? Then if they run I can take the time to replace fuel lines, fuel filters, and any other maintenance that might need to be done

Thanks in advance

 

[burtshaver2021]

Sounds like a good course of action to me, that’s what I always do. Just don’t keep doing, if it fires off for a second or two you know the electronics are good, take a compression test and if it’s good, then it’s just fuel related. Make sure to use mixed fuel, not straight gas and not starting fluid

 

[JerryLook]

I have an obvious positive and ground that go to the battery. Where does this third wire go? Is it a ground also? It’s coming from what looks like the ignition module

 

[69DartGT]

That is a ground, goes to the negative side of the battery.

 

[JerryLook]

Great. Thanks.

I got the air box taken off one of the jetskis today. It’s a tight space to work in to get to the carbs. I’m ready to try and fire that one up now.

 

[Legacy37]

Tip, line the edge of the hull with duct tape, keeps your arms from getting eaten up from fiberglass

 

[lavasioux]

Tip, line the edge of the hull with duct tape, keeps your arms from getting eaten up from fiberglass

Nice tip!

 

[lavasioux]

Great. Thanks.

I got the air box taken off one of the jetskis today. It’s a tight space to work in to get to the carbs. I’m ready to try and fire that one up now.

Good luck!

 

[JerryLook]

I finally got a chance to work on it some more. The motor cranks over great, but it does fire up. I poured a little gas mix in each carb.

So what should be my next step? Check for spark I assume

 

[Legacy37]

Does or does not fire up? If it does not fire up I would check for spark, then compression. If it runs with fuel in the carbs then you will probably be rebuilding carbs

 

[JerryLook]

Oops sorry, autocorrect. It does not fire up.

 

[JerryLook]

It’s turns over but no spark. I verified with known good spark plugs.

What do we think about the crack on this and goo leaking out? Is this the coil pack, and would this cause my no spark issue?

 

[mikidymac]

That coil is shot and overheated. Going to have to get a new one.

 

[JerryLook]

What do you guys think of the generic Seadoo parts? For instance they sell coils they claim will fit my GTX on eBay for 20 bucks.

 

[jchance]

Don’t. Get OEM or as close as you can.

 

[thomasgrumpy]

Look, you have 28 year old jetskis. They do not appreciate in value. I have a 2004 GTX and buy parts from SBT, ebay, amazon, china and so on. Most parts are made in china. Even the super popular Solas impeller and Solas wear rings are made in Taiwan.

 

[burtshaver2021]

If the Amazon and eBay parts are working for you that’s good but I will say I see all the time in here people buying 1 or even 2 new solenoids from those places and both being bad. If they will take a return, maybe worth a try but a lot of times they just don’t work. A prop in the other hand,