Weird issues with my SJ

[Shrivel]

So I drop by the lake for a couple hours today before work and put the ski in the water. Basically a stock 701 engine. It cranks fine, but runs really rough at the low end and bogs out on me once I drop to idle speed. Cruising speed it seems okay, maybe a little bad on the throttle response.

So I figure maybe my plugs are fouled, since the last tank of gas was a bit on the rich side, but I've never fouled plugs before. Just to be sure I pull out of the water and pull the plugs and instead of being fouled, it was the exact opposite. They were dry AS A BONE and had a whitish appearance. Definitely not normal.

It seems like I'm not getting enough fuel (and therefore not enough oil), but I'm not sure of the best approach to take to systematically determine where the problem is. If it's a fuel line blockage, where's the most likely place to check? I'd like to avoid breaking too many of the dumb little cable ties on the hoses if possible.

 

[sflsurfrider]

if its a stock boat, the on/res valve is known to get plugged.

also, the filter and the internal carb filter(s) are some things to check.

 

[jetskiking]

Just disconnect the lines and blow thru them. Did both plugs look the same? Are you going to ride tomorrow. I'm going around noon I think. If you want to put in some other place than redtop I would be happy to help you. I will not use Redtop. I think Im going to Galts Ferry.

 

[jetskiking]

if its a stock boat, the on/res valve is known to get plugged.

also, the filter and the internal carb filter(s) are some things to check.

Yep, I run mine on reserve right now

 

[Shrivel]

It looks like it was either at the switch or the filter, because it seems to be fine after having blown those out. I won't know for sure until I put it in the water this afternoon, though. At least the plugs are wet now, though.

Thanks for the help, fellas.

 

[Shrivel]

Hmmmmmm.... took it out for a spin today. It's still doing the same thing. Both plugs look exactly the same, so that says to me it's not a carb issue, but a fuel issue, right? I turned out my carb screws slightly and it didn't help. Turned them in and it did help a little.

I'm at a loss...

 

[Shrivel]

Okay, thanks to a fellow board member, I think I may have the answer. Water in my gas. It would explain every symptom and it's the only thing left. It would particularly explain why the ski barely runs when it's on reserve, but runs cruddy in the "on" position, as well as why it ran fine for most of the day today, but started acting up as the tank got empty. Not sure why this never crossed my mind, but I'm kinda at a loss as to how it got in there - I can't remember having taken on more water than usual at any point recently. I'll drain my tank tomorrow.

 

[Marshj]

Water can get in there easily. When you drain the tank, also look at the lefthand side of you ski. there is a water seperator here. unsrew the bottom of it and this will let water out. if its full, you can easily get water into your gas.

also, if its not water..it sounds like you may have a pinched fuel line. make sure your hood is not pinching the line, causing the ski to not get gas. also make sure your gastank is vented properly. too much tank pressure will not let the stock carbs pull fuel. best of luck