Other Starting issue 2000 Kawasaki Ultra 150

Any suggestions - Completely rebuilt motor - battery is brand new and fully charged before use. I first start it on land, will start in water. But when I turn it off while it's in the water for a couple of hours I cannot restart it. I love the way the ski handles but I don't like worrying whether it'll start or not. Been towed in every time I take it out and my fiancé named my ski the red turd.
 

Tyler Zane

Open Your Eyes
Whats it do when you try to restart it? Does it have to be jumped off at that point? If its having to be jumped off, it could be the voltage regulator/rectifier, or the stator not charging the battery.
 
Whats it do when you try to restart it? Does it have to be jumped off at that point? If its having to be jumped off, it could be the voltage regulator/rectifier, or the stator not charging the battery.
The battery is fully charged and when you go to restart the ski when it's in the water it just won't crank over . I end up taking the spark plugs out spraying little starting fluid and that most of the times will work but I don't want to continue to do that . If I keep cranking it like everyone says to do hold the start button it ends up killing my battery. I will be trying a stronger amp battery and also putting high performance spark plugs in .
 

Tyler Zane

Open Your Eyes
Don't buy "high performance spark plugs"...just use whatever is called for.

So it turns over but does not start? Does it turn over strong or sluggish?

Don't use starting fluid either, its terrible for a 2 stroke. Use a primer or choke.

Even as new as the motor is I'd still check compression and spark right off the bat. They are the easiest things to confirm.
 
Don't buy "high performance spark plugs"...just use whatever is called for.

So it turns over but does not start? Does it turn over strong or sluggish?

Don't use starting fluid either, its terrible for a 2 stroke. Use a primer or choke.

Even as new as the motor is I'd still check compression and spark right off the bat. They are the easiest things to confirm.
OK thank you very much for the suggestions of the spark plugs and the starting fluid Good to know
It turns over strong but just does not start it kind of sounds like it's not getting enough fuel in the carburetors .
 

Tyler Zane

Open Your Eyes
Does it have a choke or primer?

Once you confirm compression, and spark, fuel is all that's left.

If you prime it or choke it partially and it starts then you can be certain it's fuel related.

Where the carbs gone threw when the engine was rebuilt? I always rebuild carbs for a new engine. It's not worth running it lean for a few carb kits.
 
Does it have a choke or primer?

Once you confirm compression, and spark, fuel is all that's left.

If you prime it or choke it partially and it starts then you can be certain it's fuel related.

Where the carbs gone threw when the engine was rebuilt? I always rebuild carbs for a new engine. It's not worth running it lean for a few carb kits.
Does it have a choke or primer?

Once you confirm compression, and spark, fuel is all that's left.

If you prime it or choke it partially and it starts then you can be certain it's fuel related.

Where the carbs gone threw when the engine was rebuilt? I always rebuild carbs for a new engine. It's not worth running it lean for a few carb kits.
Tried The choke half and full it doesn't matter it still does not start. I had even tried opening the gas cap and closing it before starting to let the pressure out as well as turning off the gas before I turn off the scary so I run the ski for a little while and try to get the gas out of the carburetors in case it's too much going in. I going to have a prima kit installed on the ski It was suggested by somebody that's very familiar with the Kawasaki ultra 150. I will ask him about the carburetor to see if it has been rebuilt as well. I appreciate your help thank you
 

Tyler Zane

Open Your Eyes
Primers are great because they dump fuel straight into the intake. Chokes also increase the fuel delivery by restricting air but if the carbs are that gummed up it doesn't work.

Please do yourself a favor and do a compression and spark check.
 
Primers are great because they dump fuel straight into the intake. Chokes also increase the fuel delivery by restricting air but if the carbs are that gummed up it doesn't work.

Please do yourself a favor and do a compression and spark check.
I will and I will definitely get back to you
 
It appears to be virtually the identical triple carburetor setup on the ZXi 1100. Having said that, these carbs are built with what is called accelerator pumps meaning that when you pull the throttle they automatically dump a small amount of raw fuel directly into the carb throats. It can double as a small version of a primer. The thing is, if anyone plays with the throttle when the ski is shut off, the carbs will still pump that extra fuel charge into the carb throats as these pumps are actuated by the throttle shaft linkage. It is strictly a manual mechanically operated device. One throttle squeeze, one mini prime...running or not. I have seen these flood a ZXi 1100 pretty quickly with the same results you are mentioning. Similarly, I have seen these mini primes be the saving grace and help get the ski started again. Instead of starting fluid as it is very bad for 2-stroke engines anyway, try just pulling the throttle a few times first before trying to use the starter. Listen to the carbs too when you pull the throttle, you will hear the squish sound as they dump that small amount into the throats from the accelerator pumps. One other thing too, to your knowledge, when the engine was rebuilt did whom ever rebuild it synchronize the carbs? These Kawi triples are a great engine but very very finicky and the slightest out of sync carb set up will make life miserable. They should be checked and synced if needed yearly.

PS: Welcome to the X! :D
 
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