Newbie needs advice in Houston

[aggiematt]

I really appreciate all the info guys! just fyi.. I am satisfied with the size of the ski since i was looking for something our whole family can use, but i bet it will haul its share of beer too! haha

A mechanic is using his shop to diagnose the Ski but i forgot to give him the lanyard so now hes got that and will be checking it out.

THe motor is not original. he said it was a SBT motor. it appears to be in good shape but he said the engine was not the best out there. (not the worst , but just OK) what do yall think?

Ill def post again once he checks everything out.

 

[Strizzo]

good to hear you're getting it sorted. i found out about a group that does organized rides on the rivers, bays, and bayous around houston, the bay area personal watercraft association. they have a schedule out for 2012 already and seem to be fairly organized. their website is www.bapwa.com . i'm thinking i might try it out once, all of my riding has always been on lakes, so river running sounds like it might be interesting to me.

 

[aggiematt]

UPDATE:

SO my guy said the compression was good (135) and put a new batt in, and he thought it might be ready to go so we took out to the lake and tested.

it did fine up to about 2500 rpm them it would die. if you could coax it over that sticking point (by pulling choke or throttling just right) it would run great, all out, no problems... as we continued to ride it got progressivly harder to get it past that sticking point. eventually after about an hour it wouldnt start anymore at all.

so im taking it to a guy to diagnose what may be wrong with carb. I was told to check: carb (possible rebuild), flush fuel tank, change fuel lines, check and maybe replace the fuel petcock. any other areas i should check/address?

I am still hoping i can get running good for our trip next week!

Also the trailer sometimes seems to veer from left to right (quickly back and forth)behind the truck. I checked the tire pressure and am not sure what may be causing this. It doesnt happen all the time. is it wind? is there something i can do to correct this? dont want to drive it around if its unsafe. it did not do it at all on the way to the lake but did so violently on the way home? It looks like ive got it loaded staright and in the middle.

 

[Strizzo]

most likely the grey fuel lines have gunked up the carb filters, so it will need to have all of the fuel lines replaced, have the carbs pulled off to change the internal filters (should go ahead and rebuild while in there) and clean out the fuel selector valve (petcock). good idea to get rid of the old gas too while you're in there.

as for the trailer, check for a loose, bent or broken axle, it could also be loaded improperly or with the tongue too high if you have a lifted truck which can make the trailer want to wander.

 

[LouDoo]

Also on the trailer, especially if you are going on a long trip, I would pull the wheel bearings, clean and repack, and install bearing buddies. You might need new wheel bearings, they're cheap. Also take a look at the tires, the tires usually dry rot before they wear out.

Lou

 

[Minnetonka4me]

Hey just so you know in the future...you really DO NOT want to keep driving something that is acting like that. If its carb related you could have leaned the motor out. Lets hope it didnt happen.

I would concur on the lines and carbs...sounds like something with the needles and seats in there. It could also be a broken reed so make sure to pop those out and inspect when the carbs are off. Also have the RAVE valves cleaned and inspected, and the Water regulator taken out and inspected. Pretty sure yours has one.


SBT motors are exactly what your mechanic told you....its an OK option, but esp with 787 and bigger motors...its not the greatest option. They are run at their limits and good OEM parts should be used. In the lower HP models it isnt as big of a deal.

BUT...for what you paid...get it working correctly and ...follow the saying in my signature below.

 

[LouDoo]

SBT might not have the best motor but they do have the best calendar and wallpaper. :lol:

Lou

 

[Minnetonka4me]

That they do...their owner is def a red blooded male who could give a crap if some people dont like seeing half naked chicks in their advertising.

 

[old fisherman]

There is another one that a couple of friends take theirs to,
A W & Sons Automotive
2215 1/2 Mcallister Rd, Houston, TX 77092
(713) 957-3127 ‎

You can give them a call. Good Luck and Matt nice ride I likem Big.