Super Jet Backfire on start up, EPIC?

[badvinny]

Sorry, I only posted since it was asked if the new model still did it and then the enhancer was also brought up and I wanted to add my crappy MSD experience. So is the OP referring to a used second hand epic, or did he buy it new?

Glad you're having luck with the old version and the new, but with all due respect that's not what this is about. This is about those having problems. I think we all know theres a ton of good ones out there. And we also understand the risk of aftermarket parts such as MSD Enhancers and even the Epic. Considering the price of these units, I have a hard time paying for a new one with very little time in the market.... Not to mention the continued troubles with this one.

So, the question remains....is this issue being worked on still or is this just dead in the water since the HX3 is out? This boat is in my garage now so I can replace the seals again... And I'd like to know if I need to rip out the ebox and the epic.

 

[FlightRisk]

Sorry, I only posted since it was asked if the new model still did it and then the enhancer was also brought up and I wanted to add my crappy MSD experience. So is the OP referring to a used second hand epic, or did he buy it new?

No problem.

The unit was bought new by me for this build, I can't remember the exact date. Then the boat was sold to the OP.

 

[hondamxracer]

I wasn't having any issues with my Epic before my motor let go.

When I installed it, I used a bunch of dielectric grease on all the bullet connectors.

 

[gtoking1972]

Hey guys just and update... I have been working crazy hours at work and traveling but have been in constant contact with Chris at ATP trying to diagnose what is going on with the ski. So far Chris has suggested check fuel tank pressure, N&S, timing curves and spark plug gap. I have ridden the past few nights and all variables have still not cured the backfire issues.

 

[Nuklear6]

Trying to diagnose an epic issue now on a friends 840 superjet I built. 8 months of riding with the epic then all a sudden it will start first try then not start again until you disconnect the battery and reconnect or wait 20min to a half hour, then it does the same and only fires one time. It will run as long as you want on that first start but will not refire when shut off. Replace epic ski runs perfect. Replace stator and hook epic back up same issue. put stock CDI back in and runs perfect. Now here is where it gets tricky. Replace the epic with another epic and have same issue. Gonna try a coil next. Just sucks cuz this engine needs the timing retard at peak rpm to be able to run wide open and not risk deto.

 

[JetManiac]

Trying to diagnose an epic issue now on a friends 840 superjet I built. 8 months of riding with the epic then all a sudden it will start first try then not start again until you disconnect the battery and reconnect or wait 20min to a half hour, then it does the same and only fires one time. It will run as long as you want on that first start but will not refire when shut off. Replace epic ski runs perfect. Replace stator and hook epic back up same issue. put stock CDI back in and runs perfect. Now here is where it gets tricky. Replace the epic with another epic and have same issue. Gonna try a coil next. Just sucks cuz this engine needs the timing retard at peak rpm to be able to run wide open and not risk deto.

Blue had similiar problem with his epic for awhile. Needed to disconnect battery for awhile, then good again. I think the newer flash fixed it?

It is a definately frustrating part to deal with, great performance but can be quirky. My earlier gen epic gave me all kinds of issues that later flashes, a higher idle and always maintained, newer battery seemed to fix. I upgraded to the new epic and had issues with an intermitent cutout problem that couldnt figure out so just put the old one back and problem solved, strange.

 

[waxhead]

The new hx3 caused issues jet manic ??

 

[JetManiac]

The new hx3 caused issues jet manic ??

on my ski it did

 

[waxhead]

on my ski it did

That's a bummer.

 

[gtoking1972]

Interesting posts guys especially with the hx3 maniac. I took my blackjacks off again last night and cleaned them thoroughly just to make sure I can 100% rule out the carbs... Symptoms started as soon as I hit the lake today, I am going to put a stock CDI in the ski tomorrow hopefully and see what happens.

 

[gtoking1972]

UPDATE: Replaced the EPIC with a stock CDI and it did not produce a single symptom of backfiring today at the lake. What do you guys think, go MSD or remove the rev limiter on the stock CDI?

 

[waxhead]

Msd

 

[Big Kahuna]

Whats happened with these?

 

[XJCrawler]

Both mine had random stopping problems and then lost spark after a year. No warrenty or replacement ones were offered.

Has anyone tried blowsions new one? There kawi stuff works pretty good

 

[MASSEY]

Yeah this sucks, I tried to contact atp about this 3 times now via there website and have had no reply, I was getting some help from the australian distributor that I bought it from and he's been very helpfull but still have not solved my issue so I went back to std, Also in my 3rd email to atp I asked if the unit could be swapped out for a new hx3 module at a dicounted price and I would send my troubled unit back for investigation and still no reply, Basicly cost me at least 1 years decent riding a cdi, a coil and I was about to swap out the stator too before I tried a stock cdi and it went sweet!

This sucks because atp have some cool products but now im a little worried about giving my money to them....

P.S. Boyer.... Do yo want to try my ver 1 unit? Obviously I could'nt part with the rest of the electrics but Im willing to send you the epic.... have a think about it!

 

[OCD Solutions]

P.S. Boyer.... Do yo want to try my ver 1 unit? Obviously I could'nt part with the rest of the electrics but Im willing to send you the epic.... have a think about it!

That's $50 in shipping costs right there but I'm game. If it works I'd be interested in buying it off you for my wife's ski or a backup for mine. Not sure why but my ski seems to love them.

I thought I was having an EPIC issue the last 2 rides. I had just flashed to the TBM update so I suspected that first but I eventually tracked it down to the coil ends. I had broken the connection on both plug ends when I pulled the caps off the plugs to swap my ebox. I crimped on new connectors and she's good to go again. Funny thing is, she still ran good even with both coil wires with broken wires inside. Gotta love high voltage.

Even with the higher EMF caused by the broken wires, my Epic ran just as good as ever and with no starting issues whatsoever. I mention this because I have long suspected EMF from a failing/faulted component to be a cause of the issues.