96 spx 720 high temp light came on...

[The_Doctor]

Hey guys.

So i got a good chunk of seaweed caught up on the driveshaft/jet pump area that caused my temp light to illuminate and the overheat buzzer to sound. I was just idling at the dock when this happened. I shut it off immediately.
I cleaned all the seaweed out the next day and it idles rough now. Im assuming i have low compression but i didnt have my gauge with me. Ill have to check it next weekend. My question is, if it does have low compression, can i just put a top end on it or does it need a full motor because it got hot for that brief period.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Dr Honda]

It depends. If the engine was recently rebuilt, and the over temp caused an issue... then do the top-end. If its the original, 22 year old engine... then that bottom is tired too, and you will just be throwing away $$$ doing the top.


BUT.... running rough after a short over temp.... That shouldn't have caused it to lose a cyl. I'm guessing you still have something stuck in the pump.

 

[The_Doctor]

It depends. If the engine was recently rebuilt, and the over temp caused an issue... then do the top-end. If its the original, 22 year old engine... then that bottom is tired too, and you will just be throwing away $$$ doing the top.


BUT.... running rough after a short over temp.... That shouldn't have caused it to lose a cyl. I'm guessing you still have something stuck in the pump.

To my knowledge, the motor is original. Ive only had the ski for a year and the guy i bought it off of didnt mention it had been rebuilt. I was kind of afraid to put a top end on it (if it needs it) and have a 22 year old bottom end (possibly ready to let go).

Ill let you know once i get some compression numbers. But im hoping i didnt lose a cylinder...especially right in the middle of summer. Ill check the pump again. I thought i got everything.
I noticed it was also idling higher after this brief over heat as well.

 

[The_Doctor]

So I compression tested the motor and i have 140psi on both cylinders. So at least the motor is still healthy.
But i still need to figure out why its idling like shit all of a sudden and loading up when you give it throttle.

 

[mwat65]

Put it on the hose and flush it thoroughly several times at short intervals. You may have sucked some of that into the cooling system. It may be necessary to pull the head and have a look. Blow out all your cooling lines and fittings with compressed air. It sounds like you have some restriction.