2004 SasDoo Utopia 185

[TJT]

My 2004 SeaDoo Utopia 185 with the 240HP Mercury engine has been difficult to start. It will start up but won't continue to run. After a few attempts it will run at idle. When I begin to accelerate it will bog down and stall. After a few attempts it will begin to run normally. I'll run it around the lake and it runs well and will continue to run well for the rest of the day. The next day the process begins all over again. I have had this problem checked out by a mechanic. The problem is not solved. Items checked:
compression, plugs, fuel system, VST filter and lifter pump. Any suggestions on where to go from here would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Tim75]

My 2004 SeaDoo Utopia 185 with the 240HP Mercury engine has been difficult to start. It will start up but won't continue to run. After a few attempts it will run at idle. When I begin to accelerate it will bog down and stall. After a few attempts it will begin to run normally. I'll run it around the lake and it runs well and will continue to run well for the rest of the day. The next day the process begins all over again. I have had this problem checked out by a mechanic. The problem is not solved. Items checked:
compression, plugs, fuel system, VST filter and lifter pump. Any suggestions on where to go from here would be greatly appreciated.

I hope you have not already checked this.

The VST inlet needle is made of aluminum. The seat is brass. If the engine has ever sat for a period of time, the needle can corrode and stick in the seat. It blocks fuel flow into the VST. You can check the injector line pressure at the Schader valve (just in front of the flywheel). Should be 36psi. Check while running. If pressure drops to near zero, the inlet needle is suspect.

If the needle leaks (only slightly open), the engine may run for a few seconds.

Second issue:
Possible failing timing base. This can be checked with an ohm meter. There is a connector with six wires. Open the connector. Check the resistance of each pair. I don't remember the value, but they should all 3 pairs very close to the same. If you need to remove the flywheel, get the proper tool. Using a large gear puller runs the risk of cracking the flywheel. Maybe not noticed until the next time the engine runs WOT, and the flywheel grenades.