Change your vts boot!!!!

[manolocross]

This is what happens when you don't change your vts boot or at least check it to make sure it's not dry rot!!! Good preventative maintenance and cheap insurance if your vts is still working!!!! This was on a buddy's 96 gsx...he Got a good used one on fleabay. Probably the top 5 worst!!!

 

[Minnetonka4me]

Yup replace the boot every 2-3 years, and you have to use the correct plastic clips to make it last that long. I have both in stock.

 

[manolocross]

Yes good point tonka!! Don't reuse the pipe clamps to put new boot on! They rip the boot! Use plastic clamps or at very least use a wide zip tie or better yet buy the kit from tonka. I'm sure it cost a lot less than a new vts AND motor!!!

 

[radman1]

Yup replace the boot every 2-3 years

Thx Minnetonka3me, I've been looking for this info. (I'm a newb at this seadoo stuff...)

I replaced my boot 2 years ago when I did the VTS workaround fix with the relays. I didn't have the seadoo in the water last year. Had it for a few runs this year and was dismayed that it filled with water.

A short investigation showed that the VTS boot had dry rot. I bought the part from the dealer (271000459) and thought I'd get at least 5 years out of it! Was thinking I got a part with "made in Asia" rubber ... but perhaps 2 years is as good as it gets? Dang.

BTW, I used the metal hose clamps. Gulp. What do the plastic ones look like?

Thx,
radman1

 

[radman1]

Ah, just found the answer to what the plastic clips look like ...
http://www.osdparts.com/index.php?main_page=product_free_shipping_info&cPath=4&products_id=13

 

[Coastiejoe]

Simple things can so SOOO much later on. Both money and frustration...

Maybe we could/should get a list together of these types of things. If it looks good, we can "Pin" it.

If so, I think it best to separate the 4-tec skis from the 2-stroke as they each have their own unique differences.

From within the list we could link the various links. Such as, "Grey Tempo Line Replacement" for example..
Kind of like the FAQ's but specific to the skis.

Thoughts?

 

[manolocross]

Simple things can so SOOO much later on. Both money and frustration...

Maybe we could/should get a list together of these types of things. If it looks good, we can "Pin" it.

If so, I think it best to separate the 4-tec skis from the 2-stroke as they each have their own unique differences.

From within the list we could link the various links. Such as, "Grey Tempo Line Replacement" for example..
Kind of like the FAQ's but specific to the skis.

Thoughts?

Sounds like a great idea! We need a few new STICKIES. OR maybe an X4 section... Why does the 3D get its own section? I don't think I've ever even seen one in my life. Do they even exist??? Lol.

 

[Jetskigoodies]

If yours was in the top 5 this one is 1 or 2 lol.

 

[racerxxx]

Large Clamp 293650083

Small Clamp 293650082

VTS Boot 271000459

I think it pays just to buy it as a kit from Tonka or OSD.

 

[Jetskigoodies]

As [MENTION=57920]racerxxx[/MENTION] said just buy the kit. I get mine from osdparts.com

 

[racerxxx]

Simple things can so SOOO much later on. Both money and frustration...

Maybe we could/should get a list together of these types of things. If it looks good, we can "Pin" it.

If so, I think it best to separate the 4-tec skis from the 2-stroke as they each have their own unique differences.

From within the list we could link the various links. Such as, "Grey Tempo Line Replacement" for example..
Kind of like the FAQ's but specific to the skis.

Thoughts?

There has been a wad load of topics that I think should be stickied or pinned. I have seen an exhaustive amount of repeat ?'s in the last month or so, take your pic. I'm sure guys sit behind their montiors and say this damn Racerxxx posts a ton of pics. The reason I post them (while helping someone) is because sometimes I see 8 posts just describing how/where something is to a guy fixing their ski. A simple Google search for said part, then click images(at the top) usually will net the guy helping a pic of the part and you can just grab the image url and slap it in the post. It makes it sooooo much easier for the guy trying to visualize what you're describing.


Like they say:

 

[OldSchool]

Absolutely change that boot, it was one of the first things I did after buying my used GSXL. Even the OEM boot would fail in short time, especially if work was done that required removal of it. I have seen a few that leaked when they were new.

It was far more reliable than the Kawasaki offering of the day though. The old ZXi's had the trim motor placed inside the main electrical box, the cable grommet would fail in the aft part of the ski, allowing water to travel and literally fill the electrical box. So, with a live hot planted in that box, massive electrolysis would ensue, fuses blowing in a different location and all that. Brand new skis would suffer major electrical failure. Then when you opened the box, water would spill and the strongest, most foul odor would emit and seemingly never leave the machine. All for a little grommet.

 

[jammin777]

:agree:great idea to sticky the top maintenance items that need performed as a reminder such as the vts boot kit, grey tempo lines and other items that need attention on a regular basis. for me ive learned so much here that i tend to forget some of it.

 

[Jetskigoodies]

I just book mark the page if I want to remember something I read on here.

 

[OldSchool]

This place is a haven for me. It seems to me that there are some pretty good stickies going. For me though this place has been crucial as so much has changed since I worked with these things.

Heck, when I checked out, the grey tempo lines were considered the top level lines, along with Oetiker clamps. To use black fuel line and hose clamps was a no-no. Seriously... Great site and great support.

 

[radman1]

Simple things can so SOOO much later on. Both money and frustration...

Maybe we could/should get a list together of these types of things. If it looks good, we can "Pin" it.

If so, I think it best to separate the 4-tec skis from the 2-stroke as they each have their own unique differences.

From within the list we could link the various links. Such as, "Grey Tempo Line Replacement" for example..
Kind of like the FAQ's but specific to the skis.

Thoughts?

This could help noobs like me ... since I don't know what I don't know (if you know what I mean). I've been lurking here for a few years and most of my questions have been answered already. BUT, it is always AFTER the problem has occurred (grey Tempo lines, fuel flow problems, VTS boot, etc.).

Maybe if there was a sticky for the "Problems you will have" ... it might help people do some preventative maintenance and avoid some problems BEFORE they occur?

Sounds good in theory anyway ..... ;-)

 

[Coastiejoe]

I think I will start saving some links to various pages and try to compile a quality list. Present intro other mods and get there thoughts.

 

[LouDoo]

If anyone is interested those clamps are Waytek nylon wire clamps, most electrical supply houses carry them. I know Graybar has them in stock, for about $.25 and I think McMaster Carr has them.

Lou