Just bought 95 HX with No Oil Tank?

[madgreek]

I'm new to jet skiing and to 2 cycle engines in general. As I was looking it over today, I realized that it has no oil tank and was concerned that could mean bad things. The previous owners knew nothing about jet skis either and were told to mix a 32:1 ratio. They claim that it ran well all last season, riding it 6-8 times.
What do I have to worry about? Is it possible that the engine is running correctly without an oil tank? The plugs looked "oil fouled" according to this thread http://www.seadooforum.com/showthread.php?t=4151 . The ski started upon inspection.

 

[gsxgtxman]

Don't know if that has Reed Valves or not. I believe your ratio should be 40:1. I premix both of my skis and using 40:1 with no issues.

 

[Dr Honda]

Don't know if that has Reed Valves or not. I believe your ratio should be 40:1. I premix both of my skis and using 40:1 with no issues.

Nope... he has a rotary valve, and there could be damage to it. BUT... all you can do is to put a tank back in it, and hook it up to the the center of the crank, and hope for the best.

If you continue with running pre-mix... you want to run 40:1. But you still need a tank of oil for your rotary valve.

 

[madgreek]

Pics...

Hopefully, these pics can help clarify...

Here is an overall showing no tank...

And here is the rest of the system:

I was standing on the port side of the ski when I took these. The first three pics show lines connected together from the front (to my left)

Once again. Standing on the port side. You can see how the lines are connected in-line. The last two pics were taken by putting the back of the camera against the fuel tank.

I'm pretty sure the pump is still on. Is that correct? It looks like the oil lines are looped. Is it possible to put in a small bottle (water bottle, etc) to take the place of the tank so i can ride the ski tomorrow?

I'd like to find the manual for the ski as well. I can't access the ones on this site yet, and seadoomanuals doesn't seem to have one for the hx.

 

[madgreek]

If someone could take a look at the pics and tell me whether or not I have anything to worry about, I'd be grateful.

I had it out yesterday for a few hours and it rode great, but it's definitely "tippy" at low speed. Any riding advise or upgrades which might be helpful? I hear a lighter hood would help...

I'm still looking for a shop manual for the ski...

Thanks in advance.

 

[daverade]

did you get oil to that rotary valve???? you can loop the line, or put a tank back in but it gots to have some oil.... it is located under the carbs, on the motor.... you di=ont wanna seize it up homie....and you may be a lil oil fouled from runnin rich.... i run 2 stroke race bikes...YZ250 @ 32:1 and they double RPM of a ski!!!

 

[madgreek]

Thanks for the quick response dude, but how do I get oil to the valve if the lines are looped? Does it really use oil, or just circulate it? I've heard that it really doesn't use it, so that leads me to believe that the loop will be cool.

If I have to put in a tank, what can I use that is a good replacement? Can I use an old pressurized coolant tank out of a car or something similar? How would it hook up? This would be easier if I had a manual-lol.

 

[madgreek]

Thanks for the quick response dude, but how do I get oil to the valve if the lines are looped? Does it really use oil, or just circulate it? I've heard that it really doesn't use it, so that leads me to believe that the loop will be cool.

If I have to put in a tank, what can I use that is a good replacement? Can I use an old pressurized coolant tank out of a car or something similar? How would it hook up? This would be easier if I had a manual-lol.

Oh, I ran it with a 40:1 mixture. It seemed to run pretty well, but I have no point of reference, since it was my first time on the ski, and I'd never ridden an hx before.

 

[Bills86e]

It don't look like you have the oil injection pump lever cable there. The PO probly
removed it working on carbs and didn't know how the re-install on the Inj pump,
or wind the lever counter-clockwise a turn to re-latch the pump spring. Then just
shrugged his shoulders and threw oil in the gas, and maybe threw tank away. I
have a complete oil tank if ya want it. PM if interested $25 shipped. Bills86e

 

[daverade]

madgreek.... $25!!!! wow, well worth it i would spit the change.... you need to get ur bike oiled up RIGHT... and it will save you tons of money in the end.....

 

[madgreek]

If I got the tank, How would I hook it up? What can I use for oil lines (size and type of hose), and can I just use regular hose clamp?

 

[daverade]

dude way over analyzing... go to home depot get some line bout $1.50/ft... go to auto zone get a lil box of hose clamps... go to seadoo get a lil oil filter.... then it's all plug and play not a big deal... then your ski will run right..... and dont werry bout gettin ripped on here.... bill is a pimp, we are ALL a worldwide community ..."here to help each other"...out

 

[madgreek]

Over analyzing...lol you've got me pegged. I tend to do that...

I just wanted to make sure that standard rubber hoses would be ok. I read on the forum that gray fuel lines can cause a problem (which my ski has as well as this tank issue), so I wanted to make sure I covered all the bases, so to speak.

I'm stoked that there is so much participation on this forum! I have have been a member so many over the years which were the only resource for a specialized thing, and had crappy participation. That can get frustrating, to say the least-lol.

 

[daverade]

lol with ya... yep gut the fuel lines... new selector valve, and a carb clean will make your ride 10x smoother, just allow your self an afternoon to do it and dont rush...

 

[madgreek]

Loop is ok...

So from what I've read here heard from other members, the loop is an acceptable way to supply oil to the rotary valve. I just have to keep an eye on it and make sure there is always oil in the lines, and refill every 60 hrs or so, just to be safe. The valve only needs a few ounces to keep lubricated. I'm told that keeping the tank is preferred, but the loop will work in this case...since I don't have a tank. (thx. daverade)

...and the 42:1 gas/oil mixture is fine for the tank. Btw, that figures out to about 3 oz of oil per gallon of gas. I got a 5 gal can just for this, put 15 oz of oil in, then 2 oz of fuel stabilizer, and 5 gallons of gas. That way, I have more than enough gas for the day, especially if I make sure the ski is always topped off.

Oh, and I use Super-Tech Marine Outboard 2 Cycle Engine Oil TC-W3 to mix with the gas. I hear it might not be the best oil for this application, but it's available at Wally World, is the least expensive, and so many boating guys swear by it...feel free to provide other recommendations though...

 

[Bills86e]

This oil tank comes with all three lines. Bill LMK

 

[madgreek]

Thanks...

Bill, check your pm box, it's full...

Thanks for the option Bill, and I'm thinking about it. The price is great, and the only reason I haven't already bought it is because I might trade for a three seater. The hx is great, but I want something that I can put my kids on and tow a tube with, and I can't afford to keep two of them, though that's what I'd really like...

...I'll tell get a hold of you If I need it, but don't hold it just for me or anything...