97 GSX Where do I start trying to figure it out

[busajocky]

I acquired a 97 gsx recently, long story short is the guy who built the ski was in a tragic motorcycle accident, so i do not know the complete details of whats done to the ski. i have added pics for anyone who can help decipher some of the parts. also on the lake this weekend the ski layed down and wouldnt rev past 4500rpm. i got it back to the dock and the plugs were black and oily. i was told to run premix at 32to1 since the oil pump has been taken out. also the screw in the rear carb came out and was laying in the hull.
any help in telling me what i may have and where to start would be great.

 

[busajocky]

this is the metering screw that backed out and was sitting in the hull, i found the spring, washer and o ring also laying by it. it screwed it back in, the same screw on the other carb was 3 1/2 turns out from bottom, so that where i set it back at. everything i read it seems like thats way too much. any reason why they would be backed out that far?
thanks

 

[bigJake]

well if that is a 97 GSX the only thing I can tell you is it looks like the whole ski had been modified. I don't see anything on the ski that is stock so I ain't got a clue what ya got there but I'm sure someone thats into all those mods can help you out.

 

[Dr Honda]

32:1 is too much oil in a seadoo. You will still want to burn an API-TC synthetic oil at 40:1. That will help keep the plugs, and the RAVE valves clean.

Since it's set up for pre-mix... is there still an oil tank in the hull? That engine has a rotary valve in the center section, and it needs an oil bath.

Te EGT's at 1100... is right at the edge of being too hot. BUT... you should still be safe. at 1200... you will start to melt parts.

 

[LouDoo]

There are so many mods. on this ski it's hard to know where to start. This is just my opinion, if it were mine I would sell it to someone who wants a racing ski, you should be able to get a good price, and then buy a stock ski, this is assuming that you prefer a recreational ski. If you keep this ski you may very well have the fastest ski on the lake but not the most reliable.

I find it curious that the P.O. did all these mods. to a GSX, I would have thought he would have done the mods. to an X4 hull.

Lou

 

[busajocky]

32:1 is too much oil in a seadoo. You will still want to burn an API-TC synthetic oil at 40:1. That will help keep the plugs, and the RAVE valves clean.

Since it's set up for pre-mix... is there still an oil tank in the hull? That engine has a rotary valve in the center section, and it needs an oil bath.

Te EGT's at 1100... is right at the edge of being too hot. BUT... you should still be safe. at 1200... you will start to melt parts.

ok, i thought 32:1 was a bit much but was sold on it to break in the new top end, since theres roughly 4 hours on the rebuild.
yes the oil tank is still hooked up and roughly 3/4 full, and i was told oil consumpiton from the motor would be minimal and i could go 2 seasons before having to add any.
ok, maybe once i lean it into 40:1 i will try to tune so the temps aren't so high, can you tune strictly to the egt probes and get a decent tune that way? or should i tear into the carbs and see what jetting and other stuff it has? the thing that gets me is the low speed screws(the one that fell out) are set at 3 1/@ turns out, which from what i have read is way too much, but again thats mainly on less modified skis i assume.

thanks for the help so far!

 

[busajocky]

There are so many mods. on this ski it's hard to know where to start. This is just my opinion, if it were mine I would sell it to someone who wants a racing ski, you should be able to get a good price, and then buy a stock ski, this is assuming that you prefer a recreational ski. If you keep this ski you may very well have the fastest ski on the lake but not the most reliable.

I find it curious that the P.O. did all these mods. to a GSX, I would have thought he would have done the mods. to an X4 hull.

Lou

yes you maybe right, i only ride on the big lake (lake erie) so this ski seems only fun at wot, but you have to deal with alot of chop which is where id like a bigger 3 seat ski. i was out with my buddy and his honda turbo aquatrax, and it was night and day when we swapped skis to ride for a bit! but i will say on calmer water his turbo ski(stock) couldnt keep up, so that made me smile alittle.