Still Struggling: 1997 GTi Stall

[Midshipexpress]

I am still battling with my 1997 GTi that seems to have the random stall issue.

I’ve rebuilt the carb for a second time using the OSD Mikuni kit. I had rebuilt it previously using an aftermarket kit from my Bombardier dealer, but on advice from forums and Facebook, I decided to go OEM.

The ski started and ran fine for 25 minutes then died under power. No bog or stutter - which is something that I had in the past.

I have:
- rebuilt carb to OEM
- replaced fuel lines
- replaced fuel strainer
- replaced fuel selector valve
- confirmed tank vent valves are not clogged
- new fuel

Probably unrelated but I also:
- replaced starter solenoid relay
- replaced start button
- new battery

I do notice that the ski doesn’t always start when the key is attached to the post. It also doesn’t always beep when the ski shuts down.

The symptoms seem to be the classic fuel related ones, but I’m at a point where I feel pretty confident the system should be in good enough condition.

I’ve searched high and low with no new ideas. Hoping someone can chime in with some thoughts to if it’s reasonable to start chasing the electronics or if there’s something else I am missing? I want to avoid continuing to purchase parts in hopes that I can fix the problem.

Appreciate any and all ideas!

Previous thread, now closed:

M

Thread '1997 GTI Stall Issue'

Jun 17, 2024

Hi all,

I have a 1997 SeaDoo GTI that I’m working on getting back to serviceable condition after acquiring it from my neighbour at the lake. I’ve been on the hunt for info via YouTube and Facebook, but am hitting a wall.

The ski had a few problems that I’ve worked through. I’ve replaced the starter relay as I was getting no start, then intermittent starting led me to replace the momentary button as well. That seems to behind me.

I then started chasing a big / stall issue when the ski was running. It seems to run fine save for this problem. I replaced all the fuel lines as they...

• Midshipexpress
• Replies: 5
• Forum: 2-Stroke Sea-Doo PWC Forum

 

[burtshaver2021]

I’m interested to see what others think since I am having a near identical issue on my new to me 97XP, I haven’t looked into it though and I’m almost convinced my issue is electrical, leaning towards the DESS post with mine and with yours as well. I read through your old post you linked, Did you end up rebuilding the carb on this or did you stop at replacing the diaphragm? When you had it apart did you clean and test it as mentioned in the carb rebuild thread on here? Sounds like electrical but it’s nice to rule out the fuel system.

 

[Midshipexpress]

I rebuilt it once with the aftermarket kit (details in other thread) and experienced the same issue. Based on advice, I ordered a OSS marine kit and fully rebuilt it again. Both times it was cleaned. I did not run any tests, but the ski starts and runs flawlessly until it completely and suddenly dies as if someone has pulled the key.

 

[burtshaver2021]

I rebuilt it once with the aftermarket kit (details in other thread) and experienced the same issue. Based on advice, I ordered a OSS marine kit and fully rebuilt it again. Both times it was cleaned. I did not run any tests, but the ski starts and runs flawlessly until it completely and suddenly dies as if someone has pulled the key.

That’s identical situation to mine, I was advised that it could well be the DESS post. I’m not very good at all with electrical but I think there is a procedure in the manual for testing it, you could also try cleaning it or just replace it. Wait and see what others have to say

 

[Midshipexpress]

That’s identical situation to mine, I was advised that it could well be the DESS post. I’m not very good at all with electrical but I think there is a procedure in the manual for testing it, you could also try cleaning it or just replace it. Wait and see what others have to say

I found this thread with a test procedure:

Thread 'DESS Key/Post Issue'

Aug 5, 2017

I have been searching for like an hour and cannot find this exact problem. I just bought a 97 Sea-Doo GTI and have managed to get it running but am having a strange issue with the key. I was able to start it on dry land just fine about a week ago. Ran it for a few seconds and started it 2 or 3 times. Well I got it on the water today and when I put the key in it would beep twice, then when I hit the start switch it would turn over for a second and then beep at me and stop(I cant remember the exact combo, it seems like it was random beep combinations). If I held the key down REALLY hard it...

• chris1052
• Replies: 9
• Forum: 2-Stroke Sea-Doo PWC Forum

As well as these YouTube videos:

I suppose I’ll try this next, although the overwhelming response seems to be these symptoms are indicative of a fuel issue.

I’ll say I have had the long beep indicating overheating in the past, but have not had since the recent carb rebuild. I’m suspect of the post because the ski doesn’t always beep when I put the key on. I have to take it off and try again.