How much water is OK in the bilges?

[Mickirig1]

I am new to PWC.
Got 2, new to me 2000 GTI's in Nov last Fall. I winterized them myself. Let them sit all winter till it got warmer this week.
I just De-greased the bilges on the Ski's.
The high water mark was 1/2 way up the gas tanks.
They were sitting in the rain when I bought them. Both had about 5 gallons of water in them when I opened the drains. One was missing the back 1/3 of the seat. So it was open to water getting in. What is the acceptable level of water that gets into the bilges?
Seals on the drive shaft bad? I can wrench very well. I just don't want to throw parts at them.

 

[LouDoo]

Hard to say, at the minimum you're going to need new/rebuilt starters. Off hand I would say your in serious doo doo. Halfway up the gas tank is also about halfway up the motor. Will the motors turn over? Can you post some pictures? Did they sit all winter like this?

Lou

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

When the watercraft is not in water, the drain plugs should be out...

I'd say some, but at this point the level is moot, you'll be reviewing everything for damage...

If the water was as high as you say, I'm not hopeful :-/

 

[Mickirig1]

The starters work as they should. I started both this week. Not a problem. I have owned 2 stroke Motorcycles. They started just like them. I drained the ski's as soon as we bought them. I just noticed what looks like high water marks.

 

[Mickirig1]

No one ever answered my question. How much, if any water is acceptable? The ski's were drained and dried out the same day I bought them. Winterized the owners son told me. You guys said make sure. So I did it too. The one needed a little gas in the silencer housing to get it to start. the other started right up. They idle smooth for the minute I let them run.

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

...none...

 

[Coastiejoe]

Totally misread this post.

Deleted my response.

Repairing and selling iPads, iPhones and Mini iPads.

 

[LouDoo]

If the starters weren't under water and apparently they weren't you are O.K. Probably take about 3-4" to flood the starters. Since they started I'm not sure I understand the problem.

Lou

 

[Mickirig1]

Well, I am new to the machines.
The old owner pretty much used them. Sent to the Stealership for service and repairs.
Is little or no water in the bilges when operating on the water the norm? Some water intrusion from the shaft seals is acceptable? Another month I want to take them to a local lake for the test cruises.
When I got them. I dried them out quick. I also did read the owners manual. Sprayed the engine etc down with WD40 too.

 

[Mickirig1]

Did not see the two posts above the last one, before I posted again. Those are the answers I needed,
THANKS FOR THE REPLIES!

 

[Spimothy Leary]

Well, I am new to the machines.
The old owner pretty much used them. Sent to the Stealership for service and repairs.
Is little or no water in the bilges when operating on the water the norm? Some water intrusion from the shaft seals is acceptable? Another month I want to take them to a local lake for the test cruises.
When I got them. I dried them out quick. I also did read the owners manual. Sprayed the engine etc down with WD40 too.

i'm not a fan of wd40 for ski's, although others may disagree.

< big fan of crc here

 

[Seadoobuddy]

i'm not a fan of wd40 for ski's, although others may disagree.

< big fan of crc here

Best is Fluid Film...but it's not cheap!

 

[Spimothy Leary]

Best is Fluid Film...but it's not cheap!

i have a can of that too, but it leave's a lot of residue, and a can last's forever !

 

[LouDoo]

I have mixed feelings about fluid film. It is a great product, however it tends to make a mess. I have fresh water skis and the skis are stored indoors, personally I don't use it. If you do use it, use it sparingly.

Lou

 

[Mickirig1]

Thge first thing I did after Ski purchase was down load the owners manual. It said to spray down everthing.
I used the WD40 to protect the bare metal since the bilges were soaking wet when I bought the Ski's. Being new to the machine type. I am learning and reading all I can. I don't want to F up my new toys!