1997 SPX wont run without choke

[vccthrasher]

I have a '97 SPX that I got from my uncle. It has been sitting in a barn for the last 3 - 4 years probably without running. I will start with full choke and the die as soon as the choke is released. If i back the choke to about 80% it will continue to run. Here is a list of the things I have done trying to fix the problem:
-Carb cleaning and repair
-replaced grey fuel lines
-replace the old fuel
-checked fuel pump
-replaced the spark plugs
-bypassed entire forward fuel system
-cleaned fuel filter

The cap of the oil tank is REALLY loose, but I wasn't sure if that would make this happen. I will be fixing that tomorrow.

Any ideas would be greatly appriciated. The only thing I haven't done is check to see if the crank case will hold a vacuum because that is an involved process. if nothing else works that will be next. i DID check to see if the fuel pump was pumping and it is. however, i dont know if it is pumping enough.

Thanks everyone,
thrasher

 

[seadooya]

did you pull the carbs, and go thru them?

If you need anything for that ski, hit me up, just gutted one.

 

[vccthrasher]

Yes. I took the carbs all the way apart. I dunked the carb bodies in carb cleaner for a few hours, replaced the micro filters and diaphragms. Cleaned the jets and everything else i coiuld think of.

Thanks,
Thrasher

 

[Dr Honda]

Make sure the fuel select valve isn't plugged up (but bypassing the system should have eliminated that)

I would take th carbs apart again. Use a spray cleaner in each orifice, and used compressed air to blow them all clear.

Also... verify the pop-off pressure on the needle and seat.

 

[seadooya]

make sure the fuel feed line' clamp, aint hanging up on the throttle plate.

 

[vccthrasher]

Okay everyone. I had the carbs rebuilt by pros and it still does the same thing. 80% choke is required for it to run. I am seriously considering a new engine, but i want to be sure that will fix the problem.

Thanks,
Thrasher

 

[vccthrasher]

So I got it guys. It was the carbs. For some reason all the cleaning I did had no affect. I ended up purchasing new carbs and it runs like a champ. After checking the compression and checking the spark plugs for fuel (and finding non) I thought "It has to be the carbs". With my fingers crossed I ordered them. And they worked. I can't wait to give it a go. This is my first PWC.

Thanks again for all of the help.

 

[6KJR]

Glad you found the problem. Youll love the X4 hull design, lots of fun..

 

[seadooya]

So I got it guys. It was the carbs. For some reason all the cleaning I did had no affect. I ended up purchasing new carbs and it runs like a champ. After checking the compression and checking the spark plugs for fuel (and finding non) I thought "It has to be the carbs". With my fingers crossed I ordered them. And they worked. I can't wait to give it a go. This is my first PWC.

Thanks again for all of the help.

what you want for the old carbs...pm me

 

[vccthrasher]

I have another question guys. I got the new carbs on and working. It was a load of fun last night. Anyways, when I got the carbs they had extra "Stuff", it has an accelerator pump that delivers a little more fuel at take off (thats what the guy at WSS said). BUT, at about mid throttle, if you hold it steady, it bogs a little. Not to the point of dying or even stopping the ski, but it looses just enough RPM to notice. I would have said it was because it hadn't run in 5 years but it did it every time the same.

Also, if after the "bog" full throttle is applied, it takes off great. I didn't notice a decrease in power at full throttle either.

So... I am thinking it is loading up on fuel and that is causing the decrease. Is this correct? I was told the accelerator pump was for take off and low end.

Let me know what you guys think. I can disconnect the pump but I am really getting tired of taking carbs off lol.

Thanks