97XP - need help with "unflooding" engine - doesn't crank over with plugs in

[ColtSeavers]

Hello,

I tried to look through the other posts and the owners/shop manual but couldn't find the answer:

Two weeks ago we rode the ski first time with two people. Couldn't get back on in the middle of the lake, flipped it over at least 10 times to try to get back on. Then I got on just myself but engine wouldn't start (just one clunk noise). Thought it was an empty battery, charged battery over last two weeks...

Yesterday I figured it had water in the engine. Removed plugs, engine turns over and most of the water came out. Used marvel mystery in plug holes to lubricate off an on. The problem is, engine seems to turn over fine with the plugs out but as soon as I put the plugs back in, the engine doesn't crank over.

Could there be water in the exhaust? If so how do I drain that? Any input would be appreciated, I wasn't looking to spend mucho money at the dealership (we just bought the ski used)

Thanks!

 

[chehalis]

dude....you gotta take the plugs off, and run the motor with no spark plugs for a while. Sounds like you got water in the motor itself. Its a pain to get out, and will take a while. Ive had this happen to me in the past, and basically got most of the water out, used methyl hydrate to get rid of what was left, and then forced air (using a compressor) into the cylinder jackets.

The water in the exhaust will take care of itself - eventually.

 

[SRinside]

the easiest way to mount the ski ni the middle with 2 up is the first person gets on and starts the ski while the other holds onto the back grab handle. first person sits as far forward as possibble lean right over the bars. once the ski is running the second person climbs up the back while the first stabilizes the ski with careful amounts of throttle. this technique works for 2 riders the first up being 185 and the second has been up to 190. it does take a little practice. just to help with future episodes. also this is completely safe except for the bikinis lol great trick if you want it to be.

 

[jasonham41]

(this is how i do it) dump on the grass role over as the sticker on the rear indicates untill it rests on the bars, with plugs removed turn the prop shaft by hand through the intake grate (have to remove the grate) watch the water pump out of the cyliders when it stops role the right way up bang some new plugs in and crank it personal experience says it should start up pretty quick.

 

[SRinside]

I've had best luck with pulling plugs and crank it over for a minute or so .. at least till you see no mist comming out of the holes. new plugs and go

 

[jasonham41]

I've had best luck with pulling plugs and crank it over for a minute or so .. at least till you see no mist comming out of the holes. new plugs and go

in my experience i can never fully get the water out of the crank case that way, not to say it doesn't work

 

[SRinside]

ever tried tipping it on its side like you said and cranking it over? might work even better? I just never bothered trying to get it out of the water to do it cause usually by that point its heavy and full of water so its easier to just crank it over and then run it for a bit with the plug out to get the water out of the hull after. I think it's only happend 2 or 3 times since new when I let other people take it out.

 

[ColtSeavers]

All, thanks for replying so quickly and SRinside, thanks for the tips on getting back on the ski. I was ready to yell at my wife. Luckily our lake is small so we were able to swim the ski to shore...

In the meantime, I cranked the thing over some more times with the plugs out, and after that with plugs in it started turning over a few times. I think the battery is now drained. Charging the battery and see what happens tomorrow.

My main concern was, am I missing anything than taking out the plugs? It seems like the exhaust will spit out the water once the engine turns over again. I'll hope to get it started tomorrow and will report back. Thanks!

 

[chehalis]

it does, but with the water in the chamber, it pressurizes (hence the term hydrolock). Now that the cylinders appear to be largely clear, you can probably get away with it, but I would be cautious, or you could end up bending a rod or messing up your crank.

 

[ColtSeavers]

Thanks for all your tips, I got it running again: after cranking a while, going through two battery charges and a few ounces of Marvel Mystery it seems to run fine, just like before...

Last question: do I need to change the counterbalance shaft oil like described in the manual or can I wait with that to the winterization?