1997 xp wont start in water

[cameronxp]

Just bought a '97 xp two days ago. Took her to the river yesterday went about 100yds up river, dumped it, got back on and it wouldn't start. All it would do is double click from the motor. Thought it was the battery. Put a new battery in it. Took it home took the plugs out and turned it over, water came out of the cylinder heads. Got all the water out, replaced with new plugs. Hook it up to the hose, started right up. Took it back down to the river put it in and went to start it, it would try to turn over, but never go. Brought it home, still wouldn't start. Put ether on plugs and put them back in. Took the air box off. Tried ether in that. Finally got it started. Ran well at home on hose.
Went back to the river, started up on the trailer, put it in the water while running took off, it was boggy but got straightened out and ran well. Came back to the dock and it died and wouldn't start up again.
Some one said the coil might be bad? Any other ideas?
TIA.

 

[sunbaby69]

coil probably not issue, sounds fuel related. may have gotten water in carbs. did you check compression?

 

[IDoSeaDoo]

sounds like you may be getting water in the cylinders at low speeds. maybe a leaking exhaust gasket? or leaky head?

 

[Dr Honda]

Check your compression. If it sat with water in it... that could have caused a bunch of damage.

If you "Got water into the carbs" but they were OK before you dumped it... that wouldn't be a problem as the water would purge out after just a few seconds of running. But, if you got water into the fuel tank... that would continue to cause problems.