2004 sea doo GTX SC 185hp coolant burn

[karatedude]

Hello,
I have two 2004 GTX 185hp sc.
Both run fine but one is using coolant steadily. Gets hot at times, and when it does, red warning light comes on. Uses about 1/2 tank or so of coolant for 4-5 hrs run time.
Dealer pressure tested it, no leaks. Oil color normal, no coolant in hull.
Dealer sais unit might have a hairline crack in head, manifold gasket, like that. They are saying that it is possible that when the unit gets to ancertain temperature
A hairline crack allows coolant to steam out. Not sure, but if I go down that road, it is going to cost a bundle. Im very mechanically inclined, have tools, want to solve this at a reasonable cost if possible
Any help would be appreciated.
Thank you!

 

[ryffish]

You can take off head make sure you have a set of e series sockets and wrenches download a manual and go to town . Only thing that might give you trouble is pressurized fuel line . you might want to set that fuel rail aside and work around it its very doable

 

[karatedude]

Ok, so head gasket would probably be first thing to check, and inspect head etc. I have seen a few videos on removing head and valves, etc. Good advise on tools will be prepared.

 

[karatedude]

FYI, had them out yesterday for 3-4 hrs run time, used about 1/4 or less coolant.

 

[karatedude]

Anything else I should be looking for after pulled apart? Gasket just replace, simple enough, just wondering what you would be looking for, having inspected or for sure replace. Thank you.

 

[Coastiejoe]

Pull the plugs and see if one is basically steamed cleaned. It will help you know where to look

As far as the pressured fuel line goes, fire up the ski, pull the fuel pump fuse, it will run out of gas and your good to go.

 

[Rrm1387]

How about a compression test? or leak down test? If you were burning that much antifreeze you would smell it and the ski would run like s,,, Crack or leak in the cooling plate or hoses that connect it ?

 

[karatedude]

I will check those suggestions out for sure. Dealer did coolant pressure tert, no leak, I think a compression test or leak down test good idea. Can I do it with compressor or need to go back to dealer? Any thread that shows how? Thanks so much. BTW, it ran just fine and normal yesterday all day, no coolant in hull at all, could not smell any either, grrr.

 

[karatedude]

Thanx coastiejoe. I did pull plugs and inspect. They seemed normal and dry, but not sure how to tell if steamed. Would they be coated in white, black or burnt looking?

 

[Coastiejoe]

When steamed clean they are exactly that. Very clean. Can look like new almost. The hot wet air cleans all the carbon off them. So if one looks like new and the other "normal used" that would be a clue.

 

[karatedude]

Ok, I will check them again