99 xpl losing fuel?

[johnnyfever]

My 99 xpl had not been running for years and I just got it going again. When it runs after a few seconds it seems like it is losing fuel it drops rpms and u have to start to feather throttle to get it to pick back up. I have taken the carbs off and cleaned the filters, drained and replaced fuel as well as replaced all the grey fuel lines. Not sure what my next step should be. I did pull the covers off the rave valves and one was moving freely the other wouldn't budge? But I don't know if this could cause this problem. Also if I keep driving it the seadoo will eventually die and not restart. I can then smell fuel like it is flooded. Thanks in advance for any help, I have been reading the other posts and this site is a wealth of information!

 

[johnnyfever]

I have also already replaced he fuel selector switch. It was seized solid.

 

[Cliff787]

If it smells like fuel coming from the carbs. Then that would be leaking needle & seats.

Have these been changed out with Viton needle tips?

 

[johnnyfever]

No. I didn't do a rebuild on the carbs just took em out and cleaned them up. The smell of fuel is while I'm still sitting on the machine when it dies. I can't say if it is from the carbs or not.

 

[Cliff787]

Hmmmmm...

I would check ALL of the clamps and the condition/placement of the clamps for proper sealing.

Start at the fuel baffle on those 4 lines and follow each line to the fuel selector valve and check each clamp you come to all the way to the "Y" at the carbs and to the inlet nipple and finally the Pulse connection that goes to the Case nipple.

Also check the fuel filler hose clamps for clamp condition and proper placement and sealing.

Accumulated fuel vapors is not a safe thing to be sitting on!

Also the needle & seats are not included in a Mikuni carb rebuild kit and has to be purchased separately for $15.00 (one set of N&S) & $30.00 to replace two carb N&S's. Well worth it in the end!

FYI...the sealing element on the seat(valve) is an o-ring and degrades over time causing leaky valves(too much fuel in the carbs causing internal flooding).

 

[johnnyfever]

Ok. Thanks for the feedback. I will go back and check all the lines and clamps. They were all just replaced and possibly lose but this problem existed before I changed them all out. Was really hoping that the changeover of the grey fuel lines and the cleaning of filters was going to fix the problem, however it is still the same after the change out

 

[Cliff787]

Let Us know what you find about the clamps, if anything...

 

[johnnyfever]

Okay so all the clamps are tight. When I was checking the clamps at the sending unit I didn't notice the rubber gasket at the top of the tank to the sending unit was didn't have some dry rot. I am not sure if this could be a problem, I don't think it is because it's not part of the pressurize system. I would however like to get this part replaced but I can't seem to find the name for it I know it is number 8 on the schematic.

 

[mikidymac]

If you haven't rebuilt the carbs with new genuine Mikuni kits and needle and seats I wouldn't go any further. 99% of the time it not only needs to be done on skis this old but it fixes the problems you are experiencing.

 

[johnnyfever]

No I have not rebuild the carbs I did clean them as best as I could. I am the original owner of the machine but it did nothing run for 10 years. I was trying to get away with the so-called easy fixes without having to order parts online before I was sure it wasn't going to blow up on day one

 

[mikidymac]

Well, seeing how they have never been done it would be money well spent or you risk trashing the engine when it runs lean.

 

[johnnyfever]

Ok. Thanks for the input.

 

[mikidymac]

OSD seadoo has all the parts you will need for the rebuild including gaskets.

Do Not replace the springs in the carbs, just reuse your old ones unless they are rusted or damaged.

I would also replace the o-ring on the fuel strainer.

 

[johnnyfever]

Ok. Thanks for the tip

 

[johnnyfever]

Ok so I'm ordering the mukini rebuild kit, a new o ring, replacement filter for the bucket and a pump oil change kit. I still haven't had a chance to try and pull the siezed rave valve yet. Does anyone have some tips on getting this thing moving? Is there anything I have to worry about breaking??

 

[Cliff787]

Take the valve cap off and GENTLY tap the stem with a rubber mallet or place a small piece of 2"x4" on top of the stem and GENTLY tap the 2"x4"?

The valve is probably stuck from large amount of carbon build up...

 

[johnnyfever]

Ok will give that a try. Thanks cliff.

 

[Cliff787]

Also lift the Rave valve black cap SLOWLY as the spring underneath will fly across the garage. Never to be seen again!!!

 

[johnnyfever]

Lol. Too late! Found it though

 

[Cliff787]

Haha! Sorry!

Yeah I forgot to put that specific instruction into the other message. Since I do this in a systematic way(start at either end and go down the line) and I forgot to tell you about that spring.

So my apologies!!! But glad you found it!

Tap and tug the Rave Valve stem and see if it pulls out...

 

[johnnyfever]

I forgot to respond that i did get it out and they were both very dirty. I cleaned them right up and put em back. Most of the gunk came off with carb cleaner but I had a nylon brush that removed the stubborn stuff.

 

[Cliff787]

Ok so that's all well and good then! Nice work!

Let's move onto those needle/seats!

Have you replaced them and rebuilt the carbs yet?

 

[johnnyfever]

No I haven't. I did have the machine out on the weekend and it was working great. My season here in Nova Scotia is really over right now. I will do a complete rebuild on the carbs over the winter. I'm just trying to find any other problems I might have with the ski. I will definitely include needles and seats in my rebuild