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97 gtx fuel issue

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Travlash

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So I have 97 GTX. Cleaned carbs. Ran fine out of water with hose. Died in water and would start really. Pulled carbs and adjusted. Put them back on. Dies after 30 seconds now out of water. Important to note when i got the ski, it was shooting oil out of the plugs. Maybe have the crankcase full with oil. But also think the fuel selector could be hooked up wrong. Thinking feed line and “on” line should be swapped.
 

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Running on the hose is not a true test. It can run flawlessly on land and not run on water.

Did you make sure you got all of the oil out?

Have you checked compression in both cylinders(and if so, what readings did you get)?

If the ski is new to you and you haven’t done it, do a complete rebuild of the carb with genuine Mikuni kits and a new mikuni needle/seat(not included in the kit) and set the carburetor back to stock. Make sure to check pop off too. That will rule out the carb and is cheap insurance to know it’s done correctly.

Edit: Also, looking at your picture one of your fuel lines is barely on the nipple. Is it possible you are sucking air there? I’ll let someone else chime in on if the layout of the lines is correct or not.
 
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Running on the hose is not a true test. It can run flawlessly on land and not run on water.

Did you make sure you got all of the oil out?

Have you checked compression in both cylinders(and if so, what readings did you get)?

If the ski is new to you and you haven’t done it, do a complete rebuild of the carb with genuine Mikuni kits and a new mikuni needle/seat(not included in the kit) and set the carburetor back to stock. Make sure to check pop off too. That will rule out the carb and is cheap insurance to know it’s done correctly.
Compression is 155. Cleaned and rebuilt carbs. I’m thinking the lines to the selector are backwards.
 
Compression is 155. Cleaned and rebuilt carbs. I’m thinking the lines to the selector are backwards.
Yeah I just put an edit on my prior post, I’m not entirely sure on the layout so I’ll let someone else chime in on that. Is there a reason the “On Line” isn’t pushed all the way on the nipple?
 
Yeah I just put an edit on my prior post, I’m not entirely sure on the layout so I’ll let someone else chime in on that. Is there a reason the “On Line” isn’t pushed all the way on the nipple?
I think previous owner messed with it. I’m going to swap them and see what happens
 
Looks like a old fuel selector so good chance it’s bad.

Middle fitting on the selector goes to the fuel strainer. The outer ones are you on and reserve from the tank and actually say ON and RES if you look closely.
 
Looks like a old fuel selector so good chance it’s bad.

Middle fitting on the selector goes to the fuel strainer. The outer ones are you on and reserve from the tank and actually say ON and RES if you look closely.
So the line going directly to the carbs is the middle fitting. Or the bottom
 
Looks like a old fuel selector so good chance it’s bad.

Middle fitting on the selector goes to the fuel strainer. The outer ones are you on and reserve from the tank and actually say ON and RES if you look closely.
I also notice i don’t have that huge plastic fuel filter under the hood. So i have reserve line, on line, and a line going straight into the feed on the carbs. That’s the three lines i have on the fuel selector
 
I fought a similar issue with my ski last year(would run good on land, start super easy in water - but once you hit the gas it would either stall or go super slow like it was getting just enough fuel to stay running but not take off). Here’s the list of things I changed:
1. Full rebuild on the carb. Problem remained
2. Replaced fuel selector. Problem remained
3. Clipped ends on all fuel lines. Problem remained
4. Replaced fuel strainer O ring. Problem remained
5. Took fuel neck hose off to drain tank easier.. Noticed a cracked tank neck. Contacted dealer, picked up new tank about a week later (was under a recall), installed it - problem fixed

Needless to say, it can practically be anything with the fuel system causing your symptoms.

I would add a fuel separator between the fuel selector and the carburetor. Shouldn’t be more than $20-30
 
What does the fuel separator do. I also noticed i don’t have a that big plastic fuel filter thing in mine. I’ll check the tank.
 
What does the fuel separator do. I also noticed i don’t have a that big plastic fuel filter thing in mine. I’ll check the tank.
The fuel filter and separator are the same thing, just different names for it. Looks like this 1618772090621.jpeg
 
Don't overlook the fact that you had oil in the crankcase. That leak alone will make the ski NOT RUN properly. Install a valve on the oil line for the rotary valve chamber. Close the valve and let the oil burn off. You'll get a lot of smoke but this condition alone can foul a spark plug or cause firing issues. The only way for the engine to fill with oil is the seals are bad on the crankshaft. A couple of ounces will cause problems... you had more than that. Give it a try. Good Luck.
 
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Yeah mine doesn’t have that
If you have an inline fuel filter... not the separator... that will cause problems. I think your main issue is the "oil leak". These skis are pretty simple. Once you get to the root cause your problem will be eliminated.
 
If you have an inline fuel filter... not the separator... that will cause problems. I think your main issue is the "oil leak". These skis are pretty simple. Once you get to the root cause your problem will be eliminated.
I have the on line and reserve lines going to the fuel selector. Then i have the line that goes directly to the carbs coming off the “out” nipple on the selector. That’s all i have. That line going to carbs has one online fuel filter
 
Throw that in inline filter in the trash can. I can assure you it is a problem. I have extensive experience with that. Start there for certain. Try running no fliter at all for a bit but order the separator and install it.
 
Throw that in inline filter in the trash can. I can assure you it is a problem. I have extensive experience with that. Start there for certain. Try running no fliter at all for a bit but order the separator and install it.
So no filter to the carbs except that separator?
 
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