New to PWC: 97 GTI Questions

[JasonD10]

I have always loved the water and finally purchased my first watercraft. I bought a 1997 GTI with 106 hours. It has a brand new battery and new perfect compression. Now I am getting ready to get it out for the summer and I have a few questions on what to do maintenence wise. I imagine none of the 100 hour maintenece items have been performed.

1) I am planning on changing out the jet pump oil in the rear as well as grease the PTO fitting. The manual stresses that you should pressurize the jet pump once you are done. Is this completely necesary as long as I replace and lube the gasket?

2) I plan on changing the fuel and oil filters. I located the fuel filter via the manual but I don't see the oil filter. Does the 717 have an oil filter?

3) Adjusting the oil injection pump seems pretty straight forward. Anything to note here?

4) I understand the importance of the engine ignition timing to be spot on but how often is this required? I don't have the tools to do this at home but I am not sure if this is 100% neccesary.

5) Is there any reason to adjust the carb if you are not having any throttle/idle issues? The manual is pretty clear on how to adjust the carb but it seems like it is something you do on the lake and not with a hose in the driveway. Other than the idle set screw it doesn't sound like these go out of adjustment too often and i am not sure if I should worry about.

6) I plan on doing the above maintenece and then taking it out for a test ride. To me a 2-stroke is a pretty simple machine. If I do they above maintenece carefully and take it out for a ride or two and everything seems normal should I be good to go or are there some often overlooked things to take a quick peak at?

Anything else I may have missed?

Thanks,

Jason
Jason

 

[seadooFTW]

Does the GTI still have the grey fuel lines? if so you need to replace those and clean your carbs before riding or you risk clogging up your carbs with pieces of the fuel lines. If the carbs get restrictions in them it will then make your motor run real lean and possibly melt pistons. I would recommend installing an inline fuel filter right before the carbs as well. Seeing as the machine is new to you I would recommend getting it warmed up then performing the plug/chop process to check that your air/fuel ratios are correct. I hope you have a good time out on the water!

 

[Dr Honda]

Welcome.


1) If the oil coming out is clean, and has no sign of water (a milky color) I wouldn't worry. On that note, I would just pop the fill plug, and look at the level and condition of the oil. If it's mostly full, and clean... just top it off.

2) Yes there is an oil filter. Just follow the hose from the pump, to the tank, and you will find it.

3) Make sure your idle is set properly, while in the water... then adjust the cable to the pump, until the marks line up.

4) Unless the flywheel moved... the ignition should be fine.

5) If it's running fine... don't touch it. Also... it is impossible to make an adjustment out of the water. (on the hose) The engine needs a load to know how it's actually running.

6) If it seems like it's running well... then go ride, and don't worry.