Kawasaki ZXI 1100

[pmahaney]

I have a ZXI 1100 1996 runs good out of water and when you run in water will go to 6000 - 6500 rpm 5 min later will only go 3500 rpm and when you take out of water will run to 7000 rpm fine. Changed CDI box with water sensor and air sensor from running ski, carbs cleaned, carbs were replaced from running ski, gas tank cleaned and fuel filter changed, 145 psi per cylinder, changed stator and oil pump from running ski NO HELP. Always runs great until in the water, then only runs 3/4 speed then when you stop and try and go again will only go 3500-4000 rpm and will not get on plane. Changed the whole jet pump from running ski no help. I have put every electrical part from another ski on this ski and will not run right. Every part has been put on the other ski and it runs fine. When I pull the plugs they are clean and dry until I have to idle back to shore. Always re-starts and the fuel filter has fuel in it. There was water inside the stator/ magneto area and cleaned out. Checked all wiring connections and changed the oil, water temp relay. the only thing I have not changed was the key switch. Lots of oil coming out of the exhaust hole black and oily. Could the exhaust be too plugged. Ski does not like to run in the water. All 3 water lines are pissing water, mod on head. All cylinders seem to be in time using a rod. I need help....what have i missed..

[Technical Support]

Re: Kawasaki ZXI 1100

One of your exhaust hoses may have internal problems; it could be falling apart on the inside and choking the engine out. Squeeze the hoses and see if they have soft spots in them, if so then remove them and look in side for de-lamination.

[pmahaney]

Re: Kawasaki ZXI 1100

I checked the exhaust hoses and the back hose coming out of the water box is soft. The hose between the exhaust and water box is ok. Could the water box be full of crap causing the ski to bog out. I do not feel any holes nor am I getting any smoke in the engine cavity. How could the soft hose cause this? It sure seems like the ski does not like to be in the water. What do you think about the reed valves I looked with a mirror and the first cyl is different from the back two. The ski starts much better after I changed the stator, but still won't run wide open and then slows down and won't go over 3500rpm. I am tired of pulling parts off the other jet ski and the local dealer won't look at it. I do value your input, I am just venting.

[Technical Support]

Re: Kawasaki ZXI 1100

Remove the soft hose and look inside to see if it is falling apart.