1997 Speedster acceleration trouble. Carbs need adjusting?

[fastboatman29212]

Thanks in advance for any advice.
1997 Sea-Doo Speedster. Twin Rotax engines. Planes fine once I get it up on plane.

Problem: Right engine will die if I try to accelerate. That is unless I slowly advance left throttle to 3000 and then sneak up the throttle on the right, then sometimes it will throttle up too and off I go, but it usually dies.

The Bad: This problem existed before I took it to the dealer, so they didn't cause it. But they didn't fix it like they were supposed to either. Dealer serviced it last spring for this exact same problem. Dealer rebuilt the carbs. Big waste of money 'cause they said it was solved but wasn't and they wouldn't make it right.


The Good: Both engines start easily and immediately. Both engines idle fine. She'll do 55 - 60 WOT.

I'm thinkin there may be a plugged jet or mixture screw set wrong. Where should I start looking first?

 

[Dr Honda]

If it will idle... and you can ease up on the throttle to get full power... then then carbs, and/or fuel system need to be serviced.

The problem is... most dealers just do the basics, and don't water test things. So... they took your money for a cleaning... and didn't clean them properly.

 

[fastboatman29212]

Does it sound more like not enough fuel or not enough air?

 

[Dr Honda]

it's running out of fuel.

Clean the entire fuel system.

 

[simplewon]

Looking to buy one that has a similar problem. One engine idles but won't take fuel, just sputters and boggs down. Is there rave valves in the 97 speedster? If so I sure don't see where they are. If it's not the carb what could it be. The guy selling it took the plugs out thinking they were fowled. The plugs were new. I think I can get the boat for 2800, needs seats and the dash is faded. Other than that it looks good. The head bolts have never been touched, original paint on them. Any suggestions?

 

[Dr Honda]

your PM box is full

 

[simplewon]

I just bought a 97 speedster, one engine would bog on rev out of water. I removed and dismantled the carb carefully and soaked it over night minus the rubber parts in Chem Dip for auto zone. I then blew them off with the air compressor and reassembled. Now they both run the same on a hose. I am guessing the sputter, not reaching high rpm is the computer because it's out of water?

I'll find out tomorrow, going to put it on the water for a test. Can't image why the computer would have a low rev limiter out of water unless sea doo didnt want someone to blow one up under warranty.

on the other hand if it's not a built in rev limiter it would have to be a bad computer I would think.

I know, I should buy the owners manual and know lol

No, I did not do both carbs just for the heck of it lol. in time i'm sure it'll get it too



I also bought a rubber freeze plug a bit smaller than the drain hole under the drivers seat and bought a stainless wing nut for it from lowes. I used the impact wrench to drive the factory nut tight on the freeze plug till it fit tightly into the drain. Then I screwed the wing nut on snug to act as a handle. I'm not buying the rubber flaps that are shot and for what water I'll get in it I will manually drain it while under power.

As far as the faded yellow dash, I renewed it with scotchbright and dishwashing soap, wet sanding it basically, then waxed it with mcquiars synthetic using it as a polish, more hard scrubbing. Brought it all back like new except the center of the steering wheel and the housing overtop the steering mount to dash cover.

Any ideas about the rev limiter? Or do I wait for water tomorrow afternoon? thanks

 

[fastboatman29212]

I bought an aftermarket scupper valve (you called it a freeze plug - but it's really called a scupper valve) and it works great. Took 10 minutes to install. I didn't even have to take out the factory rubber one that was rotted.

These motors are meant to run with water in the pump, so with the boat out of the water, it didn't have any load. The jetskis have rev limiters so that if/when they briefly leave the water, the motor won't rev too high with no load. That's probably what you were experiencing.

I'm glad your boat is looking better with some TLC.

If you have specific questions, start a new thread and you'll get good advice here on the forum.

I bought a factory service manual on CD-ROM on eBay. It is an absolute MUST HAVE if you are going to work on your own boat.

 

[simplewon]

Thanks for the response. I'll know more after work tomorrow when I try it on the lake. Will let you know how it goes.