RESTO 97 GSX Not getting fuel

[xMambler24x]

I recently acquired 2 97 skis and the GSX with the 787 I can’t seem to get fuel to the carbs. I know all the lines need replacing, but I’ve bypassed the fuel system with a new line and a primer bulb plugged directly into the carb on one end and the fuel tank on the other and it cranks up fine, but only runs if I’m priming the bulb. When I connect everything back to the fuel selector switch, and fuel filter inlet and out the thing won’t fire up. What else can it be if I’ve replaced both fuel lines going from the selector to the filter, and from the filter to the carbs.... the two other lines from the fuel selector to the tank are both old, as well as the breather line. Any ideas??

 

[GGuillot]

I recently acquired 2 97 skis and the GSX with the 787 I can’t seem to get fuel to the carbs. I know all the lines need replacing, but I’ve bypassed the fuel system with a new line and a primer bulb plugged directly into the carb on one end and the fuel tank on the other and it cranks up fine, but only runs if I’m priming the bulb. When I connect everything back to the fuel selector switch, and fuel filter inlet and out the thing won’t fire up. What else can it be if I’ve replaced both fuel lines going from the selector to the filter, and from the filter to the carbs.... the two other lines from the fuel selector to the tank are both old, as well as the breather line. Any ideas??

I'd check the pulse line that runs from the case to the carbs. You shouldn't need a primer bulb. But...I'd first replace all the fuel lines, get a new OEM fuel selector and a new fuel strainer oring (it may have the incorrect one in) and hook everything up like it should be. Also, if you just got those skis you should also pull the carbs and go through them, rebuild with OEM kits and so forth.

 

[mikidymac]

As said above remove that primer bulb immediately. It will restrict fuel flow and cause problems. Your fuel pump isn’t working and is part of the front carb. You have to rebuild these carbs and only with genuine mikuni parts, not WSM, not SBT, not Venom, not Wonderosa, only mikuni. Look at the Carb Rebuild Thread sticky.

 

[xMambler24x]

I only hooked up the primer bulb to see if it would start I’m not leaving it in there. The fuel line that goes into the carb is bone dry inside when it’s all hooked up normally so fuel isn’t even making it to the carb at all. I’m thinking maybe the selector switch might be an issue as it looks to be original.

 

[mikidymac]

Easy way is to hook a hose directly from the tank to the carb as GGuliot suggested.

 

[GGuillot]

I only hooked up the primer bulb to see if it would start I’m not leaving it in there. The fuel line that goes into the carb is bone dry inside when it’s all hooked up normally so fuel isn’t even making it to the carb at all. I’m thinking maybe the selector switch might be an issue as it looks to be original.

Where does the dryness in the lines start or end? It sorta needs to be primed to get it going. Take the return line off the carbs and blow in it to get the fuel moving through the system.

The fuel selectors can be an issue, but do a bypass test to rule it out. Take the reserve line from the tank going to the selector and move it directly to the in on the fuel strainer. The line you removed coming from the fuel selector to the fuel strainer and loop it back on the fuel selector to the open reserve fitting and turn it off. Or reserve line from the tank directly to the carbs to bypass the fuel strainer also.

Have a look at the square oring in the fuel strainer and clean it out or get a new filter. It's fairly cheap to get a new oring for it, the wrong one can cause issues... These fuel systems are finicky on these skis, the carbs and everything needs to be right, anything overlooked or not done to OEM parts can present issues.

 

[soccerdad]

A great tool for this kind of stuff is a cheap hand vacuum pump like you bleed brakes with. Harbor Freight has them pretty cheap. Suck from the line going to the carb. If you get gas, then the system is vacuum tight and the problem is in the fuel pump at the carb. If you don't get gas, start with a line directly at to the tank, and add pieces back until you find out where your plug or vacuum leak is. Remember the carb sucks fuel all the way from the tank, so any vacuum leak anywhere in the system will just suck air and no fuel.