Free Seadoo GTI 720; Trying to start it.

[smaguire93]

Tried testing it there. I cant seem to get the volmeter in deep enough to get any sort of reading. Is there a way to bypass the stop start button to see if its the cause?

Tried sticking the probes into the holes for yellow/red against the black (and all others just to check) and not getting any reading

 

[smaguire93]

Out of frustration I took the top off and shorted the yellow/red to the black and got the same result nada.

If I jump the solenoid it turns over great.

Where does this leave me? Whats next.

From such excitement to dreams dashed haha

 

[smaguire93]

Well guys update. Ski now starts up reliably every time. Smokes like mad but it is getting 40:1 premix and whatever oil the oil pump is delivering.

So in total it needed;

New battery,
New starter (used OEM)
(got a spare used OEM solenoid)
Cleaned carbs
drained fuel tank.


Over the next few months I plan to;
Rebuild carbs (genuine mikuni rebuild kit)
rebuild jet pump
fuel and oil filters

Now over winter should I rebuild the engine? There are some dodgy homemade gaskets I can see and I wonder what chaos awaits in there.... Or should I just leave it?

 

[LikeabossTM]

Well, this is just me, but...

...if the compression is good enough (>135 ish), it's not leaning out from bad gaskets, and the bottom end crank seal leaks are manageable, I'd run it as is until i needed to tear it apart.

Obviously with a good safety plan commensurate with the waters you'll be playing in.

The gold standard would be to tear it all down and rebuild, but i hate wasting money and time if not really required.

 

[smaguire93]

So for anyone still interested took it to the sea today (No lakes near by) and the thing leaked water like crazy from the water jacket.

This is what greeted me inside.... All seals and gaskets in bad nick

Also what do you all make of the pistons and cylinders. No scratches or gouges I'm quite surprised.




A little video of the play in the pistons.

 

[RenzoR]

I want to follow your thread, as I just bought 2 matching 2004 GTI LEs myself...

I have to replace the starter on one, and was wondering if you had any hints or tips on how to approach that job. You mention extensions for your wrenches?

Thanks for any info you can share!

 

[mikidymac]

Pistons look good.

 

[smaguire93]

I want to follow your thread, as I just bought 2 matching 2004 GTI LEs myself...

I have to replace the starter on one, and was wondering if you had any hints or tips on how to approach that job. You mention extensions for your wrenches?

Thanks for any info you can share!

Ski is up and running haven’t had much time to update. Not got a chance to compression test it yet. Needs a wear ring and a few little bits but I will update on this soon.
So by no means an expert but changing the starter is a tricky job but not hard just awkward. So using a 30cm extension bar on your ratchet makes the job a lot easier.
General consensus is rebuilding an oem is the best option!
Good luck and send me a message if you need a hand!

 

[smaguire93]

Thanks everyone for all the help!

It’s finally up and running. Total spend below.

Jet ski & trailer £400
Starter motor £40
Carb rebuild kit £60
Water jacket £50
Steering cable £110
Filters, oil and trailer parts £350

total spend £1000