Fuel lines for the millionth time

[MoSammy78]

Hi, Everyone.

First... a big thanks already for all of the questions that you've already answered, I've been lurking for a bit.

I recently purchased a 97 XP, my first PWC - but far from my first mechanical toy, I've had motorcycles, zero turns, jeeps and I also own a boat. This ski is aesthetically in great shape, anecdotally has 100 hours, and it compressed out at 150/150 and everything else "worked". The ski has some modding - Ocean Pro vortex carbs/filters, TDR waterbox, R&D intake grate, Solas impeller - all of which seem to be in great shape and work well done. My concern is the general condition under the hood: Dirty bilge, mildewey under the hood, tempo fuel lines still in use. It makes me wonder who did the mods - and if ANYone was keeping up the maintenance.

I've read alot - here and on other sites, and come away with some good thoughts but with some cognitive discord.

So here's where I'm at... I have started to clean and replace the fuel lines and associated parts - removed and cleaned the selector switch, fuel filter riveted inside the lid (supply filter), added an inline filter where 5/16 meets 1/4" on supply, replaced lines from selector to filter, and both to tank. The remaining fuel lines I intend to replace are on the carbs, which I have yet to remove - but will next. I will be cleaning the carbs (or having them cleaned) as well.

I'm wondering...

do I need to replace the tempo lines that vent the tank out the port side near the water outlet and tee to vent underneath the forward part of the seat?

are stainless zip ties ok to secure the lines to the pickup(right term?) on top of the tank? I can't fathom how anyone fastened hose clamps there, unless before top was mated to bottom hull...

what else should I attack in terms of maintenance assuming p/o was negligent?

Super wordy. Sorry about that. Happy to be here, though! And PSYCHED to get this beast wet!

Thanks in advance!

 

[mikidymac]

So yes, you need to replace all the fuel lines but you do not have to replace the tank vent lines.

You need to replace the fuel selector, not clean them. The rubber parts go bad on the inside and you will suck air and ruin the engine.

You should clean and or replace the stock fuel strainer and at the very least replace the square o-ring on the housing.

Do Not add any additional fuel filters.

Absolutely rebuild the carbs with only genuine Mikuni kits and needle and seats,

Use the black nylon zipties with the stainless locking tab, not the all stainless ones on all fuel connections.

I would also verify you are using only API-TC rated full synthetic oil.
You could replace the balancer shaft oil if you think it ever had water in it.
Also replace the small 3/32" oil injection lines from the oil pump to the intake manifold.
Change the pump oil and inspect the pump wear-ring.

Unhook the seat suspension at the rear and flip the seat up and you will see the big rubber plug to access the top of the fuel tank and change the fuel lines much easier.

 

[MoSammy78]

API-TC verified. Peace of mind worth every penny.

Why no additional filter? Superfluous or potentially problematic?

Thank you on the ties... I've ordered some, will now have to find use for my all stainless ones...

Check on the oil injection lines and pump oil - will do.

When you say "stock fuel strainer" are you talking about the one riveted on the sb side just under the lid?

Heard on genuine Mikuni kits.

Thanks for the reply!

 

[mikidymac]

Additional filters have been known to starve the engine of fuel and simply aren’t needed or recommend.

Yes the stock filter is the big white one that looks like it’s riveted on but actually has a 10mm nut holding it to the bracket. An entire new assembly is only $25.

 

[GGuillot]

are stainless zip ties ok to secure the lines to the pickup(right term?) on top of the tank? I can't fathom how anyone fastened hose clamps there, unless before top was mated to bottom hull...

Because of vibration, those all stainless ties will cause an issue cutting into the fuel line, but they work great on the PTO flywheel boot!!! I put them to good use whenever I remove/reinstall the driveshaft or the boot.