2004 GTI LE bogging down

[Dedhed61]

Just this weekend the unit started bogging down and losing power mainly on turns. I changed the plugs but the problem continued. Same fuel I use in my 03 GTI than runs great. Checked the water separator and no problems there. Any ideas or suggestions?

 

[benjilafouine]

Check compression first. Lack of power in turns can mean low compression (engine about to fail).

Benji.

 

[Mickirig1]

It's a carburetor engine? What you mean loosing power? Stumbling, hitting the wall, just stops accelerating?
Changed or clean filter lately? Gas lines gray? Turn gas selector to reserve, try opening gas cap a little, pull choke a little see if it acts normal. How much wrenching skill do you have?

 

[howie099]

how about the fuel pick up? Could be cavitation also? Does the ski run fine going straight?

 

[Dedhed61]

Thanks all. Mickirig1 my wrenching skills are limited, but medium. I won't try something I might screw up. It is a carb engine. When I"m going fast into a turn and keep the throttle pegged, it just loses all accel and "bogs down". At straight line running, I can feel the engine "stumbling" but it does not bog down. I have not changed fuel filter ever. I believe I see an in-line one on the starboard side by the battery and was wondering if that should be changed. After all, it has been 11 years now.

 

[howie099]

the OEM filters you just clean out and reuse unless it is in bad shape. I would maybe get a new gasket for it just because of the age. They are like $4-$5 from about any sea-doo parts place. I think it might be time for you to rebuild the carb or for sure clean it out. The internal fuel filter might be getting clogged also. That is on the fuel pump side of the carb. If you never had them a part I would just go get a new kit and rebuild it. You would be looking at $70 for the kit w/needle and seat. Get an OEM (Mikuni brand don't have to buy from seadoo dealer).

 

[benjilafouine]

Yes, you better rebuild than clean because when you clean, you may end up damaging some parts.

I have the same Sea-Doo model as yours, but a 2003. The kit is pretty complete but you may want to order a "Genuine Mikuni Needle and Seat 2.0 SEADOO 270500208" additional kit also (if yours carb is the same as mine).

Benji.

 

[mikidymac]

Just as a keep it simple question, how much fuel was in it? If you were getting below the "ON" level it could be sucking air in a turn. REServe might help or filling it up with fuel.

 

[howie099]

Open up the carb and replace gaskets and parts as need be and look over the baffle and lines to make sure nothing is blocking or hole is the baffle lines and stuff like that. If you are running lean on a 2-stoke that all ways ends up bad in the end.

 

[BeckyRaffali]

Howie, you are a life saver, my friend. I've got an '03 GTI LE, had it for only a few short years now, and didn't have a clue what was going on. Like DedHed, I was losing acceleration going into turns to the point where my seadoo bogged down entirely.

After following your suggestions, I noticed that my issue was my fuel filter being a complete and utter mess. Caked is the word I would use to describe it.

Thanks for your insight in regards to an OEM kit to purchase, $70 sounds like a steal - talk about relieved that I don't have to pay my dealer's mark-up cost.