97 GTX -- Power drops after 5000 rpm

[EricStrat]

I recently rebuilt both carbs and the ski ran great for the first couple of rides. Midway through the 3rd ride it began to run poorly, lacking power over 5000 rpms. Just prior to this we had been in some very rough water and then through a no wake zone prior to stopping for lunch. After lunch we headed home in smooth water and this is when I noticed that it was lacking full power..

Prior to the carb rebuilds I had replaced the following: fuel selector valve, fuel filter and o-ring, grey fuel lines

After this last ride I have installed new plugs but this provided no improvement. One other symptom is if I switch the fuel selector to reserve the ski dies immediately. I am down to approximately three quarters of a tank of gas. I have removed the fuel valve again to check it with compressed air and it seems to operate correctly in both the on and reserve position. The fuel valve that I purchased did not appear to be new. The fuel lines are all connected properly. My GTX has approx 162 hours of run time. I have purchased the Rave valve rebuild kits but have not installed them yet as I want to get it running right first. Any ideas??

 

[Mickirig1]

Might consider doing a pressure check on you fuel system. When you open gas cap do you get hiss of pressure draining? Rebuilding the carb's may of pushed something over the edge. The through the hull system vents and air replacements are an example. They need to be replaced after so many years inservice. The two piece oil tanks can leak and let air in. It is easier to suck air then fuel. The gasket on fuel filter may not be seated correctly. A crack in a nipple of gas tank gauge assembly could suck air or disrupt flow. A shock while running ski may cause changes. A pop off tester can be used to test the fuel system. Instructions are in the repair manual. You can get it for free off the Internet. YOU DID CHECK POP OFF WHEN YOU REBUILT CARBS?

 

[Chester]

Also, check your RAVE valves and the water regulator.

Chester

 

[vogs77]

I have the same issue with my 97 GTX, only it is intermittent. If I let off the throttle and hit it again then it takes off to 7000 rpm. Is this what happens when rave vales stick? Chester how do you check the water regulator?? I was going to ask this same question as the op but didn't make sense to start another post about the same thing.