2003 GTX stuttering and not at full power

[Brian J]

2003 GTX stuttering and not getting up to full power

I have a 2003 GTX that will idle and rev up great on the trailer but when I took it out for the first ride it comes up on plane alright but then stutters and won't go over about 40.

-It has 165 hours on it
-The "MAINT" light flashes 5 times when you first put the key in but then goes out and no other warnings pop up
-The SC was rebuilt at 135 hours and oil changed by a dealer (under the previous owner)
-Same dealer did all the maintenance and winterizing (I have a file an inch think)
-Spark plugs were last changed by the dealer in 2007

I searched on here and online and the consensus seems to be change the spark plugs, which I just did but when I pulled the front plug it had oil all over it. I cranked the motor with that plug out expecting to get more oil blowing out but nothing more came out and it felt like it had good compression (my tester does not have the right adapter for this motor so can't check it)

I'll take it out on the lake again tomorrow to see if the new plugs help but I'm wondering does that oil on the plug mean anything?

Appreciate any input, thanks.

 

[ski-d00]

make sure your oil isn't over full, that will cause oil in the cylinder. it is over due for new plugs, most likely it is just plugs is your problem.

the MAINT light sounds like the standard hour interval but will need to be cleared by a dealer or just live with it.

 

[Brian J]

Thanks for quick reply skidoo

The oil level is very high, slightly over the top mark on the dip stick when checked cold and level. When the trailer tongue is on the ground and the engine is cold the oil level is above the top mark. This is how I was running it in my garage so maybe that caused oil to leak in.

I was thinking the same thing on the maintenance light. The light should have been reset by the dealer technician when he did the supercharger and oil change at 135 hours, or 30 hours ago, but this is the same guy that over filled the oil soooo this is starting to make sense.

I will take it to the lake on Tuesday and swing by the dealer to have them reset the code. Should I try to siphon or drain some oil out or just ride it as is and let some burn off?

Thanks again for the help

 

[ski-d00]

you need to get oil out before you run it again. it should be mid way between the marks. not even to the top. anything above the top will cause it to run poorly and smoke.

 

[Brian J]

Sounds good, it's really starting to sound like this is the problem, which is good because my first thought was the motor or SC was gone (given the reputation these have).

What's the easiest way to get the oil out?

Again thanks for the quick replies.

 

[Coastiejoe]

I have a 2003 GTX that will idle and rev up great on the trailer but when I took it out for the first ride it comes up on plane alright but then stutters and won't go over about 40.

-It has 165 hours on it
-The "MAINT" light flashes 5 times when you first put the key in but then goes out and no other warnings pop up
-The SC was rebuilt at 135 hours and oil changed by a dealer (under the previous owner)
-Same dealer did all the maintenance and winterizing (I have a file an inch think)
-Spark plugs were last changed by the dealer in 2007

I searched on here and online and the consensus seems to be change the spark plugs, which I just did but when I pulled the front plug it had oil all over it. I cranked the motor with that plug out expecting to get more oil blowing out but nothing more came out and it felt like it had good compression (my tester does not have the right adapter for this motor so can't check it)

I'll take it out on the lake again tomorrow to see if the new plugs help but I'm wondering does that oil on the plug mean anything?

Appreciate any input, thanks.

As stated, a 4-tec engine that is over full of oil will normally run at a decreased performance level. And, changing the plugs was the ting to do as if nothing else, they are simply old.

When a SC fails, the ski will run ok but max out around 40 MPH. I read that is was rebuilt no to long aga, but I would remove the intake hose and see if you can spin it with your fingers. It should be VERY hard to spin. Also, if the intake hoses of the super charger or the intercooler are cracked or loose it will run at about 40 mph.

 

[ski-d00]

suck it out with a tube down the dipstick, the same way all oil changes are done.

 

[Brian J]

Thanks guys. Will do and will report back how it goes.

 

[Brian J]

Jackpot! All is good with the ski, runs great and pulls hard up to 60mph. I can't believe that $8 worth of spark plugs and taking out a couple ounces of oil solved my problem. When it was running rough and I found oil where it shouldn't be my first thought was that motor or SC were shot.

Thanks again guys.