99xpl won't go over 3500rpm and 30 mph

[Mikeinjax]

I just bought ski and wouldn't get over 3500 rpm. Talked to some one they said rave valve and told me to take spring out to see if it would get up to rpm. Ran even worse. I put the spring back in and made sure the valves moved freely they did. I started it out of the water to see if it would get up to rpm out of water. It sounded great revved fine. Then stuck at wot I hit start button and pulled key and it wouldn't shut off. Had to pull choke to get it to shut down. Started back up and it seemed fine revved and shut down fine? Will be putting it in the water tomorrow to see if it gets up to speed. If not could it be wear ring? Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated thx in advance. Mike

 

[Dr Honda]

Welcome.


First... don't rev it hard out of the water. It may over rev, or run away. (both are bad) That's why you needed the choke.

Second... if the RAVES open premature... you will never reach top RPM's because you loose all your mid torque. On most older skis... they work better with the adjusters screws turned all the way in. (The most pressure) Realistically, you want them to open at the last 1000 RPM or so.


Before you get too deep in looking for an external issue... I would start with a compression check.

 

[Mikeinjax]

Did comp. check both were 150

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

Grey fuel lines? Clogged Fuel filter? carb filters? rave selenoid opening? water regulator working correctly?
pulse line off engine going to RAVEs works? Rave sliders removed and cleaned? impeller in good shape?
fresh plugs? fresh fuel?