Help! Limp mode?

[98xplimited626]

Hey there, I have a 98 xp limited. The ski runs great for about the first five or ten minutes. Then all of the sudden the ski has very little power, and almost bogs. I've done some research and I'm thinking it might of gone into limp mode. Can anyone tell me where to start???
Thanks!

 

[despower]

I think you need to find out what the fault code for your limp mode. On my Seadoo, you count the length of the loud beeps and the time between each beep and whether there is a pattern. Not sure if the older models do the same thing though. If there are no fault code beeps, then that means something too, but I guess you would have to get your manual to see what it is. Do you still have your owners manual? They usually list the fault code indicators.

 

[98xplimited626]

Well, I have a shop manual. But my beeper went out about a month ago and ever replaced it. Keep in mind that Im not even totally sure its in limp mode. Could it just be clogged rave valve?

 

[despower]

In my manual, it gives about a dozen different failure modes (mostly for sensors) that produce a limp mode... for most of them, it stays in limp mode until the problem is corrected. Does your stay in limp mode or is it only after the first 5-10 minutes. I could be wrong, but if it is limp mode, I would expect it to stay in limp mode (my manual says the same thing) until the problem goes away. I am trying to diagnose a problem myself with mine and I can't get rid of the bloody limp mode and the beeper is driving me nuts.

If you can't hear your failure code with the beeper, then I guess the best way to diagnose is with a vehicle communication link... yes we all have one of those don't we

 

[jwick86]

How many hours are on the motor? I ask because a weak motor can act just like that. As it warms up, you loose compression and loose power. Cools off, same symptom. Is there crap on the bottom of the fuel tank? It can take a bit to suck up into the baffel then clog it up.

 

[98xplimited626]

The motor is brand new! It ran great the first time I took it out, and the second time it started doing this. There is like one hour on the new motor. The fuel could be bad, or clogged. Where do I start for the fuel?

 

[jhjesse]

Hey XP need more info.
First it runs good then looses power?
How does it run with no power? Maybe idle rough or something?
If you shut it off and let it set for a short period of time does it run good again?

 

[98xplimited626]

It runs great for about ten minutes, then it bogs, and wont go much over idle, and kinda sounds like it wants to die. If you let go of the throttle it idles like nothings wrong. And I don't know what will happen if I let it sit for awhile. Im going to the lake today to try it out again. I will let you know how it works. Thanks everyone!
Any other ideas are awesome

 

[jhjesse]

What color are your fuel lines?
You stated that it was a new engine. Did you rebuild the carbs?

From the description sounds like you have a fuel delivery problem.

 

[98xplimited626]

Yeah you might be correct because I still have the old grey fuel lines. I have a big weekend that I want it ready for, is there a place that might be clogged? maybe some filter?
Thanks!

 

[jhjesse]

Check the fuel selector valve and clean or replace. $25.00

Check and clean the fuel filter just after the selector valve.

Pull the fuel baffle out of the tank and clean the screen on the bottom.

While you have all this apart replace the fuel lines. Go to Autozone and get about 25 feet and 20 small hose clamps. Replace each line ONE AT A TIME. (Refer to shop manual for diagram)

I recommend pulling the carbs and carefully disassembling them (one at a time) doing a thorough cleaning. You will probably find the internal carb filters clogged. Clean or replace them.

After reassembling the carbs, set the HSA and LSA to factory.
Put fresh fuel in and hope for the best.
It is only Tuesday you have time to do it right!!! good luck

P.S. When you put fresh fuel in add a little premix for the first tank on a new engine.

 

[jhjesse]

What ever you do...do not short cut and spray carb cleaner down the carbs while it is running. 2 cycle engines don't like that!!!

 

[98xplimited626]

Yes, I've been running some premix in my tank. Where is the fuel selector valve? I've herd that thats usually a big problem with these ski's when they have the old hose.

 

[jhjesse]

It is the knob that turns the fuel on, off and reserve.

 

[Goblin]

yeah the valve itself is under that knob you have to pull a little plug out of the center and there is a screw behind that you have to take out.

 

[98xplimited626]

I took the plug out then the screw, and pulled on the knob but it didn't budge. I can hardly even touch it from going in by the motor compartment. does the know pull off?

 

[jhjesse]

Hey XP
Take a couple of screwdrivers up under the valve knob and gently pry up it will pop off no problem.
Then loosen the plastic nut and presto the valve comes off.

 

[98xplimited626]

Ok! Ill give that a try. I took it out again today to get some more info. It ran good again for about 2 minutes then started acting up again. I let it sit for about ten minutes and ran somewhat good for about thirty seconds. Keep in mind that I am breaking the motor in, and it is running quite rich with oil. Could that ever be my problem?

 

[jhjesse]

Fuel delivery

Hey XP,
You have a fuel delivery problem!!!

It is your ski and you do what ever you want, but if you are asking me...I would spend the time and little money now for a lot of enjoyment later.

Definitely put new plugs in after you have completed the fuel system rebuild.

 

[98xplimited626]

Yes, I totally agree with you. I checked my selector valve and it actually was totally clear. Im going down to auto zone, or schucks and buying my fuel lines.
Wish me luck!
Thanks for your help man!

 

[98xplimited626]

Ok, I pulled my carbs off, and in the filter in the carb was totally clogged! Cleaned that out. I changed some of the fuel lines, but not all of them were actually 1/4 (6mm) some were 5/16 (8mm). Wish me the best!!

 

[jhjesse]

Sounds great. Make sure you set the HSA's and LSA's on the carbs back to factory.
A lean 2 cycle engine is not a happy engine.
Make sure that the in line fuel filter is installed correctly and the O-ring is sealing.