Can no gastank pressure prevent starting/ poor running?

[chrisg]

Hello, I just got a used 96 SeaDoo GTX, it had hard time starting.

I discovered, after buying it, the tank has a leak, thus no pressure. Will no pressure in the tank cause the thing to not start, and when it does, run poor?

I was not informed that the tank was patched ( and the owner said he was unaware also - but thats another story - for the lawyers!). When I called the marina told them what happeded ( it exploded when I took the plugs out to check for spark - still recovering!:'(
When I called the marina, and told them who I got the jestski form, they told me to bring it in just to be sure - THEY knew what the problem was, I got him to confess! - I don't think the pervious owner knew

my question is; will not gas tank pressure cause hard start / poor perfommance?

PS; the thing ran fine when I tried it out, looked in excellent shape, I looked it over, ( but the hole is at the top of the tank, a place you cant see without taking half the thing apart.)

The guy I bought it from got in a few months earlyer from the local marina, he told me the only issue he had was it was hard to start, took it to the marina, who told him there was no problems, only changed the plugs again.

- I fill the tanks, the patch disolved in gas, fill bottom of craft with gas when I filled the tank.

I'm just collecting facts.

thanks

 

[nos1013]

Re: Can no gastank pressure prevent starting/ poor running?

Uhm, not sure what you mean, but the gas tank should be vented. As in, not pressurized. Any fuel pressure should be created between the fuel pump and the carbs.
Also, I feel sorry for anyone who can't smell gas standing in the hull of a jet ski.
Also, I prefer to be mute when someone gets litigious because of their own bad judgement, so I will be quiet now.
B

 

[Jeff Walkowiak]

Re: Can no gastank pressure prevent starting/ poor running?

the system has a preasure release valve that holds in some preasure and vents any excess preasure, sea doo had a recall on every one of those gas tanks and your dealer should have put your vin in the computer to see if it has been done, reguardless of it's age they will replace the tank once for free labor included. they were breaking at the filler tube if I remember correctly, once that is fixed I would suspect you have clogged carbs clogged fuel switch leaks at the hose clamps or some other malfunction.

 

[chrisg]

Re: Can no gastank pressure prevent starting/ poor running?

Thanks Jeff:

Well that sucks, now I see why they can't get any tanks! ( back ordered), I found a used one from a web site 'jetkingparts.com' ( got the name from someone here)

I will have to investigate this re-call further.

PS, can the gas sitting in the bottom for a day cause other things ( wires, tubes) to go bad? ( does gas eat through wiring or other things?

Thanks for your assistance.

hope this used tank will work out.

 

[Jeff Walkowiak]

Re: Can no gastank pressure prevent starting/ poor running?

I would clean out the fuel , take 1 gallon of water and mix in a ounce of common dish detergent with the water then pour it in the bilge with the drain plug in so it stays then slosh it around with a wisk broom or some sort of brush the dish soap will kill the gas and make it non flammable then rinse it out good and do it again, just to be sure.

 

[chrisg]

Re: Can no gastank pressure prevent starting/ poor running?

Thanks again:

would it be OK to use a pressure washer ( on low pressure) to clean it out also? Sounds like a job to be done on the trailer, so I can slosh it around.

I am going to let my kids ride this, so want to ensure it will be safe. I read some of the tricks that can be done with the reverse, hope my kids never try that!

Later

 

[Jeff Walkowiak]

Re: Can no gastank pressure prevent starting/ poor running?

I would use a garden hose on low, otherwise you will be spraying water where you really don't need it to go.remember you still need to find the problem this is a malfunction but I doubt it is your issue, unless some of the junk they tried to seal the tank with ended up in the pick up tubes or fuel system,,outch!