'95 Speedster - surging, bogging, dying, dead

[Busted Grouse]

Greetings all,

Thanks to this forum, and no thanks to the dealer, the overheating alarm is fixed. :thumbsup: Turned out to be a bad temperature switch in one engine.

On to the next malfunction. After initially running normally, both engines would start to surge, then bog down. Run up to 6000 rpm, down to 3000, up to 5000, etc. I read here last week that there might be a problem with the fuel selector switch, so yesterday I took it out, and when the surging/bogging began, I switched both tanks to reserve. Ran like a champ, so I repeated the experiment with the same results. Finally, in need of fun, I just ran for 10 minutes on reserve, at which point both engines died out and wouldn't restart, either on the main tank or the reserve. Fortunately, only 30 yards from the launch ramp. Wouldn't start today while on the trailer, either.

Bad tank switch(s)? Junk in the tank(s)? Carbs need cleaning? Or just out of gas...(gauge inoperative as of yet). I didn't see anything in the shop manual about the reserve tank -- is it just a lower point in the main tank? So next weekend, where do you gurus suggest I start? Thanks.

 

[LouDoo]

It sounds to me like you ran out of gas, the reserve is just a lower pickup in the tank. I've been riding motorcycles since before fuel gauges and that's the way motorcycles are set up too.

You might want to check the main filter to see if you sucked up any junk from the bottom of the tank. That's about it.

The problem with the fuel gauge is probably just the fuel float, get a new style molded float. Here's a link.

http://www.parkeryamaha.com/search.aspx?find=seadoo+gas+float

Lou

 

[Busted Grouse]

Thanks Lou, I'll give that a shot this coming weekend. Take care.

 

[RFoster130]

yeah sounds like you ran out of gas..if it ran rough till reserve, then ran fine for a while and just quit....fuel er up.

 

[Busted Grouse]

Yep, ran out of gas. Doh! Started working on the bogging/surging problem on Saturday by pulling out the main/reserve tank selector valves, pulling them off the fuel lines, and spraying them with a copious amount of carb cleaner. Put 10 gallons of 92 octane in the tank along with 16 oz of Sea Foam and took it out. Port engine ran great, but the same bogging/surging problem occurred with starboard. Maybe I'll try pulling the starboard carb off next weekend. If I have time, I'll try to get the fuel baffle out, too, and check that re the bad gauge. It also looks like I have the original fuel lines. They're more black than gray, but have a "1994" stamp in red on them, along with all the other markings.

FYI, for complete rookies like me, to remove the selector valves (1995 Speedster) start by pulling out the center of the purple plastic knobs. Unscrew the philips head screw behind, and pull off the knobs. Remove the large plastic nut and rubber washer beneath and the valves are free. Remove the throttle/shifter assembly directly above them by unscrewing the white cover, then the black base plate below it. Pull the whole thing out of the hull (there will be resistance) and lay it on top of the gunnels on a beach towel (otherwise it will scratch the hell out of your gelcoat). The throttle cables will still be connected, but you should be able to get it out far enough to get good access. Push the valves into the hull from cockpit, then reach into the engine compartment and pull them aft where you can get to them. Reverse to reinstall. This is where you'll need to reach into the space below the throttle assembly to get them back into their holes. My small contribution to the forum.

By the way, what's the best way to get those quick connect clamps off the fuel lines? I want to start replacing them with new lines and worm hose clamps, but those quick connect clamps have me stumped. Thanks all.