'96 SeaDoo XP with problem that seems like carburation, but I don't think it is

[rwbenner]

To whomever,

I have a '96 SeaDoo XP, 787cc.

Ever since I've owned it (4 yrs now). It has always had a "dead spot" in the acceleration when you rolled on the gas at a moderate or slow pickup spead (maybe around 20 through 30% of throttle). If you went from idle to full throttle, it would barely miss a lick. This was AFTER I took it to the SeaDoo repair guy who explained to me (after he rebuilt the carbs), that it has an aftermarket block - and he could not get it to perform any better. "It is what it is"....he explained.

Well, I am now 3 yrs later with no less than 4 more carb rebuilds - this is everyone's first thing to do when I explain the problem. I know the carb is clean (I've done it twice myself now) and the performance is getting worse and worse. Had it out yesterday the first time, and it starts easy, it idles great, and if you can coax it up to a higher RPM, the motor catches and it takes off. It sounds like its running too rich, but the plugs are always dry - although it consumes fuel like a pre '76 Cadillac. The high speed jets are only out 1/2 a turn from the full-in position. Any other location for the jets, and it runs worse.

Now, what I found that helps....some. If I put in a NEW set of plugs, it runs almost as good as when I bought it and got it running the first time (still a dead spot during acceleration, but you could roll past it). However, after running it about 2 hrs with new plugs, the performance continues to deteriorate till the point I have to idle it back to the trailer and pull it out of the water.

To date, I have rebuilt/cleaned the carbs multiple times, taken out the fuel cell and cleaned it twice, I have replace EVERY fuel line in the system, I've also changed the inline filter and the carb's filter, and I've dissassembled the rear electrical box to ensure all connections are clean and non-corroded. I have NOT checked compression yet (for some dumb reason).

I really don't think its a carb issue, although it sound like one. Could it be a coil issue or something else?

Any suggestions are welcome and will be attempted! I'm at the frustration point where I just want to sell it, but I really do like the ski....and don't want to cop out after all the work I've put into it.

Thanks, and enjoy the day!

Randy

 

[Minnetonka4me]

Have you replaced the Needles and seats? Replaced the fuel lines? cleaned out the selector valves? I think its needles and seats....

 

[rwbenner]

Have you replaced the Needles and seats? Replaced the fuel lines? cleaned out the selector valves? I think its needles and seats....

I have not changed needles and seats, the fuel lines have been changed, and I've cleaned out the selector valves.

Do you have a "kit" that would include needles and seats I could purchase? Also, when setting the carbs on this (non-modded '89XP), there is just adjustment screws for idle speed and high-speed jets, right?

The reason I ask is because I looked over a post by "Bills86e" that was well written, and spoke of low speed adjuster (idle), pop off presssure, low speed jet, high speed jet, and high speed adjuster. All of these seem to require some type of adjustment to achieve optimal carburation. I didn't think mine had all of these adjusters, and certainly the folks I've paid thus far to work on it have not spoke of them either...

Final question, with your network of friends and colleagues in business - would you recommend someone more local to the northeast region of Ohio to take this SeaDoo to for carb setting one last time??? Someone with your level of knowledge and experience?

Thanks again for your help and useful posts! Randy

 

[Dr Honda]

By any chance was the carb rebuild, and the line of crap about the "Aftermarket" block given to you by the guys out in Cheswick?

Well... it could be a few things... but it all points to fuel. If you had an electrical issue... it would be more hit and miss. You can reproduce the issue, and as the engine/sparkplugs load up... it get's worse.

With that said... the Rotary Valve can be out of spec, or the RAVE valves aren't operating properly... or you have an air leak.

Where in Da Burgh' are you? My shop is in Latrobe, and I may be able to help. My main business is custom bikes, and parts... but it seems like I have to do a lot of clean up work left behind by the shop mentioned above.

 

[rwbenner]

By any chance was the carb rebuild, and the line of crap about the "Aftermarket" block given to you by the guys out in Cheswick?

Well... it could be a few things... but it all points to fuel. If you had an electrical issue... it would be more hit and miss. You can reproduce the issue, and as the engine/sparkplugs load up... it get's worse.

With that said... the Rotary Valve can be out of spec, or the RAVE valves aren't operating properly... or you have an air leak.

Where in Da Burgh' are you? My shop is in Latrobe, and I may be able to help. My main business is custom bikes, and parts... but it seems like I have to do a lot of clean up work left behind by the shop mentioned above.

The carbs were "rebuilt" by a SeaDoo guy in Warren, Ohio that sold his dealership and then went back to work at General Motors -but he maintained his SeaDoo service/repairs on the side (actually, he was the one that sold my SeaDoo to its original owner when it was new). What he told me was a "rebuild" though - was just actually a "cleaning" - I found this out the first time I tore them down personally. You could tell he just tore them down to clean out the internal carb filter screen. He never tore down the other side of the carbs to clean that stuff up. I've since taken the ski back to him a few times to "adjust" the carbs - because I really lack on that type pf knowledge - and he does, and the ski runs better - but never really good or great (he keeps stating that the aftermarket block is the culprit).

Right now I'm living with my GF in Pittsburgh (Mount Washington). The skis are located in Youngstown, Ohio - but they could easily be in Latrobe as its only a 2 hr drive from Y-town. A drive well worth it to me to get this thing running better once again. Also, as an FYI, I'm bidding on a new set of carbs on ebay - maybe i can bring those with me to you and see what you think.....

Does your shop have a web address, or can you PM me with your conatact info so we can set something up?

 

[Dr Honda]

My shop is at www.a-lmotorsports.com (I'll PM you a phone number)