Help with 97 GSI problems

[Reed_gsi]

Hey guys,
I bought a 97 GSI from a friend of mine who just had in sitting in his yard for a couple of years (2 i think) for about $300. He said he thought it would run and after some new fuel/oil, spark plugs, battery, and a good cleaning inside and out, she fired right up. But as you can assume it does have some problems,
For starters the fuel gauge or sending unit doesnt work, it constantly have a low fuel warning
also the variable trim system will only work sometimes, the first time out it blew a fuse, now it just doesnt work although the fuse is still good
And she also has some problems sometimes starting and idling, plus a good amount of smoke when first put in the water.
If you guys have any advice on fixing these problems or any suggestions on things i can do the make it run any better i'd really appreciate them as this is my first PWC.
Thanks

 

[Dr Honda]

it's a 2-stoke... it's going to smoke until it warms up.

The VTS has water in it. Open the cover, and clean it out before you short out something expensive. You may need a new motor in the VTS... and you will need a new boot on the shaft going out to the nozzle. (that's where the water comes in)

The fuel sender float has sank. The OEM float sucks. Remove the sender, and replace it with a new style float.

Good luck, and have fun.