2003 XP DI listing to starboard side. Taking on water.

[Judi]

We took our 'new' XP DI out yesterday. I got it off the trailer and did a quick spin and brought it back to the dock. I did press the VTS down, but that was it.

I scooted back, and let DH get on the front. He got on and we slowly tipped to the starboard side. So, here we are laughing, hanging on to the dock. I made my way to land and held the jet ski in place as DH climbed back on.

He made his way across the river, at 40 MPH. He was turning around to come back to get me, and plop! I watched as he struggled to get back on. He was still trying after 5 minutes. The thing just kept tipping. I finally found someone going out, and DH was rescued. He was in the water a good 15 minutes.

When we got it back to the dock, I looked in the engine, and there was a few inches of water. It was still listing starboard. I tried starting it, but no go. We loaded it back up.

So, we are firfighters. I took it to the fire station and the guys were all sorts of excited to see it. We took the spark plugs out. The engine was full of water. I tried starting it, with the plugs out, and got a face full of water. We took air to it to get more water out, put it back together and hooked a hose up.

We did get it started, and got more water out. I checked the fuse today, and it is good.

Ok, now, I AM clueless about a jet ski motor. I have ridden a few times, on others, but engine, well, I need help.

Why did it take on water? I am afraid to take it out again.

 

[D 5UPE]

Hi, you need to check all the inboard pipes are connected to the right fittings. Your ski cools down by pressured water entering from the impellar housing. Have you flushed your Seadoo out after use by attaching a hose pipe to the rear flush point? Check inside when its running for any leaks from pipes. Then let us know how you got on.

 

[Judi]

When I attached the hose yesterday, I watched the engine compartment. Didn't see any water leaking in.

How do I flush?

Sorry, still new at this. Thank you so much for explaining things! Rep for you!

ETA: Flush, just putting the hose on the back and running the jet ski? We did that, after finally getting it started again.

 

[D 5UPE]

You also have drain bungs on the back of the ski, were these screwed in?
Does the ski have an automatic bilge pump fitted?

Check that hose.
As I had one that was split.

 

[Judi]

I hooked up the hose, and didn't start it. I found this small leak in the battery compartment:

Here is all other water, flowing from the jet ski. I guess this is all normal?

Cat was very interested.

When I turned it on, the small leak stopped.

 

[Judi]

Was brainstorming with DH (soggy) last night. This one was modified. It goes 65 MPH(not sure what these usually go). They put an after market seat on it. There are things in the engine area that look after market. Could it be that it can only hold one person? Bear in mind that neither DH nor I are tiny people.

 

[ski-d00]

the 97 -04 xp models will take on water when an inexperienced rider keeps trying and failing to get on due to sinking the rear end so much, see it all the time. you need to get on quickly and evenly from the rear and move as far forward on the seat as possible while keeping it balanced, with practice it's not big deal, it's gets even harder to get on if you have taken on some water, very tippy and will lean to one side. not a great 2 person ski unless you have small people or they are experienced with this model. bilge and bailers will get the water out once you get back on plain.

never turn the hose on without the engine running, you'll fill up your motor with water again. if it does fill again, remove plugs, crank it over, repeat, add wd40, try again, repeat, etc. you'll get it after a few tries. don't let water sit in the motor for more than a few hours or it may do permanent damage.

never shoot compressed air into the cylinders through the spark plug holes, you'll break a reed.

 

[D 5UPE]

You have a carbon ring on the shaft on these. Check its not damaged visually then try it with the Doo in the water.
The stainless ring that runs with the carbon seal should have a clip that keeps it in place, if the clips missing the seal and ring wont work as one.
Could be that thats letting in water.
Good Luck
David.

 

[Judi]

Thanks all!

 

[Judi]

Just an update. We took it out again Sunday, it ran great! Well, until I was mondo stupid, got stuck on rocks, panicked slightly, got bruised up, and sucked in rocks.

We didn't tip at all though (separately this time!). Well, until a sheriff tried to use the back of my sea doo, to help himself into him boat. yeah

I took it to the shop, they fixed it right up. I have learned a lot in a couple weeks! Oh, and the shop saved all the rocks for me, lol.

 

[98TA&M]

I'm taking on water too...

I went out drift fishing on my 2006 Wake and I drifted for a good 4 hours. Towards the end of the trip i noticed that the doo was listing from side to side and becoming very cumbersome as far as balancing. When I got back to the ramp I pulled the plugs and a seemingly unending stream of water continued to drain from the doo for what seemed like an eternity.

I don't believe any hoses are loose and I know the plugs were in; are there any other alternative explanations beyond loose hoses and unplugged drain plugs as to how the water can be getting into the hull???

 

[kustomkarl]

Check the boot on the jet pump shaft, it might be split allowing in water.

Karl