96 GTX bogging down at 5.5k rpm

[Matuszak24]

Just purchased a SeaDoo and have taken it out twice. Both times it runs excellent for 20 minutes before bogging down at 5.5k rpm’s. It starts up just fine, every time. It idles no problem (although I try not to idle it too much). Only issue is when I reach that 5.5k mark.

I’ve read quite a bit on the forums here about replacing the grey lines with new auto fuel lines, which I’ve purchased and plan to do.

My question is, what problems would most likely exist if the engine runs great for the first 20 minutes without any issues, and then bogs out?

Appreciate any insight......this is my first PWC.

Thank you.

 

[AKnarrowback]

Take it for another ride and wait for it to hang up at 5500. As soon as it does let off the throttle instantly and then pin the throttle and see if it goes up to it's 6800 ish rpms.

There is a service bulletin for the 97 gtx rave valves causing the engine to hang up around 5k. I am not sure if the same performance issue existed with the 96 787. Again, anyone out there with more experience here please chime in.

The reason I suggest this as a possible issue is that my 97 gtx had similar running conditions. It would work just fine for the first 10-15 minutes then the 5k hang up would show up. "Double pumping" the throttle always broke me past the 5k to regular max rpm's.

Also, removing the rave valves and cleaning the carbon off of them is a regular maintenance item. Just having buildup on them can cause performance issues.

I'm not saying this is the solution for your machine. Just making sure you are aware of it. Cleaning the valves is not difficult and is a good thing to be familiar with.

When you do the fuel lines consider taking the carbs apart and doing an inspection. Read the following thread for the best "how to" guide out there.

The Seadoo Carb Rebuild Thread

 

[Matuszak24]

Thanks for the input. I wish I would have read this before I started replacing the fuel lines. Hoping I don’t compound the problem. When I get it back out again, I will have cleaned up the rave valves and double pump the throttle like you suggested.

Thank you..

 

[AKnarrowback]

If they were gray lines I doubt you compounded the problem since they are a problem themselves.

Clean the valves. Pay close attention the the "up" side when you put things back together.

 

[JeremyD615]

The 96 GTX did have the non-slotted rave valve, but if you still had the grey lines, your issue is much more likely to be on the fuel side. I’d go ahead and dig into the carbs while you’re in there. They’re probably full of the green goo at this point....

 

[Matuszak24]

Got fuel lines replaced and the rave valves cleaned up. These things were nasty.

 

[mikidymac]

Pretty normal, I have seen them much worse from running the wrong TCW-3 oil.

Yours are not the newer slotted ones so that could be causing your hanging at 5K rpm.

 

[Matuszak24]

So clean valves might still give me issues? I got them cleaned up really good.

Also, what’s your opinion on putting non-ethanol vs ethanol gas in these things?

 

[mikidymac]

If you can use non-ethanol you are better off in the long run. We don't have that option here and don't have any issues.

Try them cleaned up but if it still hangs at 5K you might have to upgrade to the newer slotted ones. Some skis need them and others don't for no reason that is understood.