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1997 xp performance issue

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seadooshawn

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Hello and thank you for your help.

I am completely new to the forums and have a situation that is probably quite simple, however not to me.

I will give as much detailed information as I can that way we are all on the same page.

I acquired a 1997 seadoo xp last fall that had overheated and caused piston issues in the jug due to sand sucked into the water system. The motor was removed from the jetski, jugs taken off, honed, new pistons, rings, pins, and all gaskets replaced. The motor was re-installed into the jet ski.

Upon trailer starting with the flush kit on it, it starts immediately and runs great ! snappy throttle, nice idle, I couldn't ask for more.

Now comes the first water test. I take it to the lake, starts right up, cruise away, only gets to 30 mph, smooth cruising. After seven minutes, stalls like someone pulled the lanyard. Sits for about 20 minutes, restarts, then the same cycle happens.

Bring it home, on the trailer, the same perfect start, idles and runs great.

Second trip to the lake yesterday. My brother and I can only start it on the trailer as it won't start in the water, boggs terribly in water, doesn't go above 20 to 25. Shuts off after about 7 minutes. Let it rest, starts up and another seven minute ride. We think FUEL. Check the lines, nothing, pop the fuel filler cap and a woosh sound. Can't tell if vacuum or pressure, happened to quick.

Find that the vent check valve on the side of the jetski that should release pressure is VERY hard to blow through, so I disconnect it. The inlet check valve under the seat is working properly, minimal effort to push air threw.

With this discovery, we put it back into the water, lean forward on it to raise the rear end and it starts we pull away with what appears to be a new found power. That doesn't last long. She will run now as long as you want to not shutting off anymore after 7 minutes, but only at about 20 to 25 mph open throttle. It will idle now in the water, but the lack of power in accelleration and no high speed leads me to believe it may be carburetor related ?

Obviously you get your 25 mph when going straight, and she starts to have lack of power when turning where more power is needed.

Alittle about the fuel system. I do have the original gray fuel lines, I have my upper jets all the way to the right ( the two that you can only adjust 1/4 turn ), the lower jets are one full turn out ( as the manual indicates ) and I do not know what the jet on the right hand side, if you are looking at the carburetors by the fuel pump is, but that is turned out about five turns. ( I did not adjust that ).

I read something about check valves in the carburetor and green goo from the gray lines, would this be something to get involved with, or am I looking at something else. I am sure my issues are not new, however new to me and any advice would be greatly appreciated as I am a huge fan of this machine and am getting alittle disheartened by the performance issues.

Thank you again !

SeadooShawn
 
Check my thread "97 surging at full throttle". There are 2 little screen filters inside the carbs, more than likely they will be plugged up with green goo from the inside of the grey fuel lines breaking down. After cleaning my carbs and adjusting the linkage it runs like a scalded dog. Sounds like we have similar issues. Hope this helps, I know all the advice I received was dead on. Thanks to all that replied.
 
Gray Fuel Lines

If you still have the grey fuel lines I would replace them first, along with cleaning or replacing the main fuel filter, replace the fuel selector valve, and clean or replace the carb. filters last. If not you stand a good chance of gumming up the carb. filters again.

Lou
 
97 xp performance issues

I read alittle more. Went to the auto store, bought about 20 feet of black fuel line, took the carbs off, the front cylinder was completely plugged and the rear was about 50%.

Cleaned both those screens, the fuel screen and changed all the 1/4 inch tubing. Then realized there is a larger size tubing also.

I will go back to the auto parts store today and get the larger size and change all of that as well.

One last question, after cleaning the filters and changing all the lines, WHY would changing the fuel selector be mentioned. ?

SeadooShawn
 
I think its mentioned because its a great place also for the goo to build up. I personally did not change mine. Cleaned and blew out with compressed air to make sure you have a full stream of fuel. I did add a little in line fuel filter in front of the carbs, just for safe measure. The other size line is 5/16. Hope this helps.
 
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