Hey everyone, I'm a total newbie with PWC's (since I just got mine last weekend), so excuse my bad explanation of the problem... Doing the best I can. I read nearly all the threads on this type of issue for about 5 hours yesterday, so I'm aware of all the potential causes but I guess I need a more "newbie friendly" explanation/order as to what is the possible problem/solution and what people's experiences have been as to the "easiest" fix. So we're working with a 97 XP here, and here's the context and symptoms:
Context
Went for a ride last weekend and noticed right away that the first time I press the throttle, nothing happened. I would have to let off and then press the throttle again a second time before it worked. However, the second time, it would feel "laggy" or "hesitant" when going from idle to low speed/low throttle. Rode around for about 15-20 minutes. Once it gets into low throttle everything worked fine. Then, at one point I was idling in the middle of the lake to talk to the GF and then when I went to low throttle, it stalled. Took a few starts to get it to run again. Lastly, when I got back home I noticed a significant fuel smell coming from the engine compartment and the rear compartment where the impeller and driveshaft are. I know people will say it's "normal" but I have two 97 XP's and my other one I can barely smell any fuel which to me it seems more normal (but what do I know).
Symptoms
Thoughts
So I expect a lot of people to say rebuild the carb, fuel lines, etc. because yes I am on the grey OEM lines. But my thing is that I'd like to get a few more good rides out of this (if possible) before I call it a season and start gutting it out to rebuild and restore everything. There is really only 2-3 more weekends for us in Wisconsin. Where can I start as far as the easiest/cheapest of potential fixes. I realize doing the easiest stuff may end with me having to do the entire rebuild of carb and fuel lines but that's okay with me (it's inevitable anyway).
What scares me is the smell of fuel, and that I feel like if I can find this, it'll actually fix the hesitation so I don't want to go too deep into the repair to start. So far here are my ideas that I've gathered from other threads. Please let me know your input and if I should/should not do these things, etc.:
Working List of What to Do
With these symptoms considered, what else should I do after these two things? I'm not sure I want to go as far as adjusting the low speed screws right away if there is something less complex I can do. I can take any pictures/videos if needed (and if possible). Any help is much appreciated!
Context
Went for a ride last weekend and noticed right away that the first time I press the throttle, nothing happened. I would have to let off and then press the throttle again a second time before it worked. However, the second time, it would feel "laggy" or "hesitant" when going from idle to low speed/low throttle. Rode around for about 15-20 minutes. Once it gets into low throttle everything worked fine. Then, at one point I was idling in the middle of the lake to talk to the GF and then when I went to low throttle, it stalled. Took a few starts to get it to run again. Lastly, when I got back home I noticed a significant fuel smell coming from the engine compartment and the rear compartment where the impeller and driveshaft are. I know people will say it's "normal" but I have two 97 XP's and my other one I can barely smell any fuel which to me it seems more normal (but what do I know).
Symptoms
- Does not respond when pressing throttle first time, but responds second time. Second time is laggy/hestitant.
- At one point it stalled going from idle to low throttle on the first press.
- Smell of fuel from engine compartment and rear compartment. My other XP has very mild smell that seems more "normal"
- Fuel selector does not "click" when switched to any other option On/Off/Res. It has this weird "smoothness" to it when I turn so I suspect something is wrong here. My other XP clicks like a switch should be.
Thoughts
So I expect a lot of people to say rebuild the carb, fuel lines, etc. because yes I am on the grey OEM lines. But my thing is that I'd like to get a few more good rides out of this (if possible) before I call it a season and start gutting it out to rebuild and restore everything. There is really only 2-3 more weekends for us in Wisconsin. Where can I start as far as the easiest/cheapest of potential fixes. I realize doing the easiest stuff may end with me having to do the entire rebuild of carb and fuel lines but that's okay with me (it's inevitable anyway).
What scares me is the smell of fuel, and that I feel like if I can find this, it'll actually fix the hesitation so I don't want to go too deep into the repair to start. So far here are my ideas that I've gathered from other threads. Please let me know your input and if I should/should not do these things, etc.:
Working List of What to Do
- Change spark plugs.
- Try running on Res. This will tell me if there's gunk in the fuel selector valve? Which can then be cleaned or replaced.
With these symptoms considered, what else should I do after these two things? I'm not sure I want to go as far as adjusting the low speed screws right away if there is something less complex I can do. I can take any pictures/videos if needed (and if possible). Any help is much appreciated!