What does the air inlet intake baffle do?

[mashenden]

I just got an "as-is" 1995 SP for a song. Included is the air inlet intake baffle (but not where it is supposed to be).

I see where it should be located (attached to the lip of the compartment opening, with the baffle going toward the bottom of the hull), but I am not sure if it should have something attached to it (I am thinking not) and if not, then what does it do and how?

This piece is not well documented in the '95 Shop Manual and a search in this forum did not result in anything. I am wondering if this piece is like a vestigial organ similar to our appendix:lols:??

 

[Seadoobuddy]

hi & Welcome to the forum.

Yup, you're right. The 2 "air inlet hoses" just sit there letting fresh air in. They should be clipped down with a zip tie if the little white plastic do-dad is still there. The do-dad is what the zip tie goes thru.

 

[LouDoo]

Yes they are necessary, as SDB said they let fresh air into the hull, the main purpose is to keep the hull from letting gasses build up. They work like a blower in a boat.

Lou

 

[IDoSeaDoo]

Are you talking about the big black plastic tube thing that clips onto the hull just under the seat? If so, I can't think of any real usefulness for it. I suppose they were attempting to silence the motor? I'd be curious to know what it really does. I've forgotten to put it on and have gone riding numerous time without noticing anything different...

 

[Strizzo]

Are you talking about the big black plastic tube thing that clips onto the hull just under the seat? If so, I can't think of any real usefulness for it. I suppose they were attempting to silence the motor? I'd be curious to know what it really does. I've forgotten to put it on and have gone riding numerous time without noticing anything different...

There are air inlets at the front of the ski that push air into the hull, the baffle tube just ensures that the air that is pushed out through te vent at te back is sourced from low down in te hull. Probably not an issue unless you somehow get a gas leak while riding. Gas fumes are heavier than air and will settle to the bottom of the hull

 

[manolocross]

The intake baffle says "Caution Do not run without baffle in place"... Hmmmm

 

[mashenden]

Are you talking about the big black plastic tube thing that clips onto the hull just under the seat? If so, I can't think of any real usefulness for it. I suppose they were attempting to silence the motor? I'd be curious to know what it really does. I've forgotten to put it on and have gone riding numerous time without noticing anything different...

There are air inlets at the front of the ski that push air into the hull, the baffle tube just ensures that the air that is pushed out through the vent at the back is sourced from low down in the hull. Probably not an issue unless you somehow get a gas leak while riding. Gas fumes are heavier than air and will settle to the bottom of the hull

Yes, I am talking about the big black tube that is under the seat below where a passenger would sit. Strizzo's explanation solved the mystery. It is now starting to make sense on why/what its intended to do.

I'll be sure to keep it in place as well as check into the service bulletin on gas tank failures that was noted in other posts.

Thank you for the advise and the warm welcome!!! :thumbsup:

 

[racerxxx]

Are you talking about the big black plastic tube thing that clips onto the hull just under the seat? If so, I can't think of any real usefulness for it. I suppose they were attempting to silence the motor? I'd be curious to know what it really does. I've forgotten to put it on and have gone riding numerous time without noticing anything different...

When air enters the ducts on the side of the ski it channels through the seat to the BAFFLE. Guess what else can go through there, water. You don't really want that dumping on the electronics, engine, etc.... So the water is funneled straight to the bilge where the black siphon bailers are. So yes the under seat baffle is important.

 

[mashenden]

When air enters the ducts on the side of the ski it channels through the seat to the BAFFLE. Guess what else can go through there, water. You don't really want that dumping on the electronics, engine, etc.... So the water is funneled straight to the bilge where the black siphon bailers are. So yes the under seat baffle is important.

So it really is an inlet baffle, not a outlet baffle? Ill have to put on a jacket to go out and pop the seat off. I cannot visualize how the air gets from the vents back to this baffle.

 

[mashenden]

Brrrrr. Its hard to imagine watersports as cold as it is outside.

Sure enough. The side vents go to a channel inside the seat that routes to the top end of the baffle tube and then it is directed down into the bilge by the baffle tube, so it is definitely an inlet. I wonder where air exits?

 

[racerxxx]

Thru your exhaust. Your engine is a gasoline powered air pump, air in, air out.

Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2

 

[mashenden]

Thru your exhaust. Your engine is a gasoline powered air pump, air in, air out.

Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2

Good point. All makes sense now. Thanks again, all.