2000 GTX RFI won't start in the water (load)

[SabrToothSqrl]

My buddy's 2000 GTX 787 RFI spent the last 2-3 weeks at the dealer getting a bunch of new stuff. he got it back and it appeared to run much better... however it still have one, significant issue... it won't start ON the water.

And towing him in is getting old quick...

So, anyway, last time we human tow roped it to shore, lifted the ass end out of the water, and it fired up instantly.

Drop it back in the water, and everything seems fine. However if you are unable to get the load off the engine, it won't start. The starter seems to spin it fast enough in the water, and it gets SO freaking close to starting, but never does / can.

Soon as you remove the load, boom, starts up.

My guess is replace the starter w/a known good one, or maybe just clean up the contacts on it.

Other ideas?

 

[mikidymac]

Most common cause for only starting out of the water but not in is low compression. Check the compression and report back. The other thing that comes to ming is too much rotary valve clearance.

 

[WagonPipe]

Compression tests were done in the shop, both cylinders @ 160psi (only has 76 hours on it, original motor)

 

[Dr Honda]

While cranking in the water... what's the battery voltage? (is there a meter on it's gauge?) The RFI's are a little sensitive to voltage.

We need to figure out what's up with this one. I've seen this same prob at least 3 times, this summer, on this board.

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

Maybe it was low, last 2x we had it out, it starts on 1-3 tries in the water... Problem solved..?

I managed to solve a TPS issue on my carb ski that took all summer to solve.

 

[gforney]

My RfI was giving me trouble until we sent the injectors out for cleaning. Now it starts on the third hit consistenly. If you are having problems starting it is most likely the mag cylinder since i think they only start and idle on one. After 2004 I think they began to switch back and forth. Also did you check the wires for corrosion? AI had problems with the connection at the top of the injector and in the MPEM due to taking on water when the exhaust melted. Good luck.