GTX 97 - MPH gauges / Cooling

[LaLib]

I was given this 97 GTX and shuttle craft by a friend. It had not run in 5 years. After several days of trouble shooting I replaced the MPEM, the batter and the starter solenoid. I bought the MPEM after extensive electrical testing and it is OEM and looks like new. On installation the ski turned over and eventually started up.

Ran it with a hose connection to see if it would start consistently and accelerate. Took it out on the water last Friday for the first test run. WOW, what a blast. I have no manuals or operating instructions for this unit and a few concerns:

1. When running with the hose attached the cooling system indicator hole beneath the stern eyelet streams water about 8-10 feet. On the water, only streams water about 1-3 feet at higher RPMs/Speed. Does not appear to be overheating, but concerned it is not circulating water adequately.
2. MPH on LCD display does not display MPH.
3. MPH gauge does not register MPH. (Hopefully these are not MPEM issues, assume there is some type of sensor pipe???
4. Have no starting instructions. To get the unit to turn over I have to push the start button til the red warning light flashes, then attach the DESS key and it will turn over and start. Is this normal?
5. Beeper / Buzzer does not work. It this a concern? Should I replace it?

Initially the ski would not accelerate, just bog down. At some point I went to start it and it blew a bunch of grass and what appears to be nesting materials out, and from that point forward, started immediately and accelerated normally. Assume the material came out the muffler / exhaust hose (unit was stored covered but outside for 4 years), should I remove the exhaust hose and check muffler for additional material?

Lastly, can these seats be reupholstered or do I just need to buy replacements?

Thanks Everyone!

James

 

[MacAddict]

First and foremost compression test with known good tester. Compression is utmost indicator to health of 2 stroke engine.

Second to that is grey fuel lines. Replace them with by the foot black fuel line from auto parts store.

Third is to rebuild carbs, especially of grey fuel lines, with only OEM kits. And retain stock springs... do not.use what's in the kit.

Need to replace buzzer as it also indicates overheat. Should double beep with dess key put on.

Starting procedure: hook hose up but don't turn on. Start engine. Then turn hose on, but not full blast... just to where there's water coming out a little from.the pisser. Let run no more than 2 minutes or you risk burning up carbon seal. Turn water off BEFORE turning engine off. Then blip throttle 3 times to clear out. Turn engine off and then fuel selector off.

 

[MacAddict]

Www (dot) seadoomanuals (dot) net for a free manual and parts diagrams for your ski

 

[LaLib]

First, thanks for the feedback. Did not really expect anyone to respond!. Buzzer is easy, rebuild carbs, not something I have done before. New to 2 stroke engines and have only worked on autos, haven't rebuilt carbs since my 1978 Triumph Spitfire. Is this something I can do with limited experience? Should I do it if ski seems to be operating well? Replacing fuel lines seems doable. Probably had too much water pressure with the hose when first running it. Thanks for the help.

 

[LaLib]

Got the manual, and for FREE! Thanks, great help.

 

[LaLib]

What kind of compression readings am I hoping for?

 

[MacAddict]

Carbs are easy... just use OEM and clean workspace and take your time. Use existing springs. Get the kits from www (dot) osdparts (dot) com.... OEM dealer and have been buying from him 6 years 3 skis and quality stuff

I believe that's a 787 engine with RAVE valves... should be banging 140-145psi+ each hole with no more than 5psi or so variance between them... test 3 times each. Ground spark plug wires to orange posts and hold throttle wide open during test

 

[nycdon73]

Sounds like good advice! If you need parts contact me! I have good ursed parts.cheep!

 

[soccerdad]

The MPH indicator is run off a paddle wheel on the plate below the jet pump. They often fail. But check yours to make sure it spins easily and is not broken. There is a GPS module that you can get to replace it from a company called Candoo. Your pisser stream sounds normal when riding it on the lake.

 

[dean.mohr]

I was given this 97 GTX and shuttle craft by a friend. It had not run in 5 years. After several days of trouble shooting I replaced the MPEM, the batter and the starter solenoid. I bought the MPEM after extensive electrical testing and it is OEM and looks like new. On installation the ski turned over and eventually started up.

Ran it with a hose connection to see if it would start consistently and accelerate. Took it out on the water last Friday for the first test run. WOW, what a blast. I have no manuals or operating instructions for this unit and a few concerns:

1. When running with the hose attached the cooling system indicator hole beneath the stern eyelet streams water about 8-10 feet. On the water, only streams water about 1-3 feet at higher RPMs/Speed. Does not appear to be overheating, but concerned it is not circulating water adequately.
2. MPH on LCD display does not display MPH.
3. MPH gauge does not register MPH. (Hopefully these are not MPEM issues, assume there is some type of sensor pipe???
4. Have no starting instructions. To get the unit to turn over I have to push the start button til the red warning light flashes, then attach the DESS key and it will turn over and start. Is this normal?
5. Beeper / Buzzer does not work. It this a concern? Should I replace it?

Initially the ski would not accelerate, just bog down. At some point I went to start it and it blew a bunch of grass and what appears to be nesting materials out, and from that point forward, started immediately and accelerated normally. Assume the material came out the muffler / exhaust hose (unit was stored covered but outside for 4 years), should I remove the exhaust hose and check muffler for additional material?

Lastly, can these seats be reupholstered or do I just need to buy replacements?

Thanks Everyone!

James

1. There is a water regulator (on top of the white muffler in the body, looks like the RAVE valves on the engine) that actually decreases the flow of cooling water into the exhaust at higher speeds to minimize backpressure. If you aren't overheating, I wouldn't worry about it. However, without a beeper, you may not know.
2/3. If nothing displays on the LCD, it is probably bad. Not uncommon. As already mentioned, there is a little paddle wheel on the back just below and to left of the pump that reads MPH.
4. Typically you just plug your key in and press the go button (plus maybe some choke). But if it works, I wouldn't complain.
5. Neither of my skis have working buzzers. I suspect the previous owner disabled them at some point. I will eventually repair them; they are there to warn you of issues.