89 seadoo bombardier

[mud99]

runs great with the water hose hooked to it but when its in the water it acks like it wants to shut off wont go. What do I need to look at to try and find the problem.

 

[seadooya]

1989

compression test first bud...

 

[Dr Honda]

compression test first bud...

:agree:


Yup... it's an old ski, and has probably just lost compression. A low compression engine will run fine until a load is put on it.

Check compression, and if you see anything less than 135... that's going to be your problem.

 

[mud99]

Thats what I was thinking. I think it has a aftermarket head and jug. I will get some info on it, a few pics and the compression numbers. I think last summer it was around 165

 

[mud99]

Here is a few pics of the head. I got to wait till Monday to do the compression test. I dont know much about the ski at this time.

 

[Dr Honda]

Cool old WestCoast head and pipe.

150 psi is the factory spec... and 165 psi cold would be good on pump gas.

 

[mud99]

Cool old WestCoast head and pipe.

150 psi is the factory spec... and 165 psi cold would be good on pump gas.

If it needs rings I hope there not that hard to go through. If its any thing like ATV's I will be okay.

 

[darnold]

you guys are making me think the 587 i'm working on might be a bit too shy on the psi ................

 

[Dr Honda]

If it needs rings I hope there not that hard to go through. If its any thing like ATV's I will be okay.

It's an easy job. If the jugs aren't warn out, and the pistons are good... you can change the rings in a couple hours. You will need a new base gasket, and exhaust gaskets.

Pesonally... I would keep the cold compression below 160 PSI. The old crank will live longer that way. It can be adjusted with the base gasket thickness.

you guys are making me think the 587 i'm working on might be a bit too shy on the psi ................

What are you working with. (pressure?) Also... when you do the test, you should have the throttle wide open.

As said above... if you are less than 135, I would consider doing a top end before putting into service. A quick rebuild is far cheaper than waiting until it fails. (and it will run good too)

 

[darnold]

"What are you working with. (pressure?) Also... when you do the test, you should have the throttle wide open."

didn't check compression when motor was still together
can I bench check it with RVC, intake & carbs and exhaust off?

 

[mud99]

Compression was 145 and 150.

 

[Dr Honda]

Compression was 145 and 150.

That should be fine, and it should run well.

The only thing I can think of is that the idle is adjusted wrong. Out of the water it will be at 3000 rpm, and in the water it will be 1500.

OR... can you start and idle in the water, but it just doesn't go anywhere?

didn't check compression when motor was still together
can I bench check it with RVC, intake & carbs and exhaust off?

Nope. it has to be together. Also... please start your own thread if you have issues.

 

[mud99]

That should be fine, and it should run well.

The only thing I can think of is that the idle is adjusted wrong. Out of the water it will be at 3000 rpm, and in the water it will be 1500.

OR... can you start and idle in the water, but it just doesn't go anywhere?

When it is in the water it just bogs down and wont go.
New problem. How hard is the starter to get to? I think its locked up. I can turn the drive shaft but when I hit the starter the solenoid just makes a click. Not a constant click just one click when the starter button is mashed.

 

[Dr Honda]

When it is in the water it just bogs down and wont go.

Strange. With the compression you listed... it should have plenty of go. But... if the drive is not binding (can you turn the PTO by hand?) then the carb needs rebuilt, or the fuel system needs checked for an obstruction.

New problem. How hard is the starter to get to? I think its locked up. I can turn the drive shaft but when I hit the starter the solenoid just makes a click. Not a constant click just one click when the starter button is mashed.

On that hull... it's a total pain in the butt. But, you can do it. The pipe needs to come out, and then you can get to the bolts.

 

[- BiRkS_]

"When it is in the water it just bogs down and wont go."

Start it up and when you accelerate, pull the choke out a bit and see if it keeps running. If that is the case, I had the same problem. (91 GT) Odds are you have dirt, or in my case, water in the fuel system. a little methylhydrate in the fuel tank and blow out all the fuel lines. As for the carbs, I unhooked the line from the fuel selector valve and put the end in a bottle full of gas. started it up and it ran like brand new. Didnt even have to touch the carbs.

As for the starter....its going to be a big pain to get out. The starter is right under the pipe and the bolts are in really awkward places. Try not to drop anything down under the engine like i did. Somewhere under the engine is a 10 mm socket.:ack: Im hoping one day it will shake free and be found in the back of the hull.

 

[mud99]

Strange. With the compression you listed... it should have plenty of go. But... if the drive is not binding (can you turn the PTO by hand?) then the carb needs rebuilt, or the fuel system needs checked for an obstruction.




On that hull... it's a total pain in the butt. But, you can do it. The pipe needs to come out, and then you can get to the bolts.

I can turn the shaft so that's not in a bind. I will work on the starter and while im at it I will work on cleaning the carb and checking the fuel lines also. Thanks for all the advice so far. Im sure I will have more questions as this project continues.

 

[mud99]

"When it is in the water it just bogs down and wont go."

Start it up and when you accelerate, pull the choke out a bit and see if it keeps running. If that is the case, I had the same problem. (91 GT) Odds are you have dirt, or in my case, water in the fuel system. a little methylhydrate in the fuel tank and blow out all the fuel lines. As for the carbs, I unhooked the line from the fuel selector valve and put the end in a bottle full of gas. started it up and it ran like brand new. Didnt even have to touch the carbs.

As for the starter....its going to be a big pain to get out. The starter is right under the pipe and the bolts are in really awkward places. Try not to drop anything down under the engine like i did. Somewhere under the engine is a 10 mm socket.:ack: Im hoping one day it will shake free and be found in the back of the hull.

That's a good idea I didn't even think about that. Pulling the chock to see if that makes a change. I will remember that.

 

[ohsixRXT]

ive never worked with a ski so sorry if this is a dumb ? but where do i hook the water hose up when starting it out of water?

 

[daverade]

there is an inlet in the back of the ski that the water hose screws into.... but MAKE SURE THE ENGINE IS ON BEFORE THE WATER...or you could get "water locked... and when your done... water off then engine!!!!...you should edit your profile and add what kind of rides you gots homie!:hurray: