97 GTX tops out at 3000 rpm until it gets air

[jetskierman]

OK, I have been reading all of the links for 6 hrs now and I am having a hard time locating this issue. I have a 97 GTX and seized my engine at Lake Powell two years ago. I bought a STB, installed it, and took it to a dealer to have the motor aligned and to change the pump oil. Then I broke it in. After it was broken in it would only get to about 3,000 rpm +/-, unless I rock it or get over a wake where I can get some air under it, then it will take off and go full speed. The dealer said it needed the carbs rebuilt, so I paid to have it done. By then it was end of summer, but it still didn't work. Last summer, I took it to a different dealer. They gave it to me twice saying it was fixed, but it wasn't so I gave it back. The last time, they took it to the lake to work on, still couldn't fix it. They gave it back and said try somewhere else. Sometimes, I can get it to go if I just throttle up slowly. It doesn't matter if it is hot or cold. Even after I get it full throttle, if I let off, I have to play with it again to get it to work. Besides above, I have cleaned rave valves, changed spark plugs, checked water baffle for debris, installed new rotary valve. Any ideas?

[1fastski.com]

Re: 97 GTX tops out at 3000 rpm until it gets air

sure sounds like carbs or something in the fuel system . it also sounds like your dealers dont know much so i would assume the carbs were not rebuilt right .

things to do , check fuel filter { bowl} under hood for dirt or water . do a compression test post what ya find . pull the spark plug boots off the wires and snip the wires back a little to show fresh wire then put them back on . make sure your fuel valve { on off res } is not stiff . make sure your water regulator on the muffler is working . if all checks out find somone who knows how to rebuild carbs and have them done { will should also check the rotory valve timing } if your in the states and need to mail your carbs out you can send them to ME 1FASTSKI OR BILL Oneil at WCM atleast then you would know your in good hands . iam on the east coast Bills on the west coast .

[Technical Support]

Re: 97 GTX tops out at 3000 rpm until it gets air

Check the rotary valve timing, clearance and cover condition.

[jetskierman]

Re: 97 GTX tops out at 3000 rpm until it gets air

I cleaned the fuel filter, replaced the rotary valve, checked the fuel valve, and the water regulator and it didn’t fix the problem. I checked the compression and it was only around 125 in both cylinders. Is that too low? I thought that it was supposed to be around 150.

[Bill O'Neal2]

Re: 97 GTX tops out at 3000 rpm until it gets air

your compression is not good, as 150 is about normal, and different guages read differently.

You may need to rebuild the carbs, not just clean them.

You might want to check the water regulator. There are tons of articles here about what to look for and how to test the water regulators.

[frankey01]

Re: 97 GTX tops out at 3000 rpm until it gets air

thats low but if its even it may be your gauge but then again you might want to open that head and see what you got going on in there.

[denteaters]

Re: 97 GTX tops out at 3000 rpm until it gets air

really similiar to my problems on my 97 gtx. If no resistance on the impeller it runs great, I have to keep revving up and down to get it up to 6800, unless it comes out of the water, then takes off. Gtx no low speed is the name of the thread. I gave up, I did everything that these guys told me to try, no success. My regulator test failed. now on my third one and it does the same thing when I test it. Says it bad also.. Never messed with any thing electrical, 12 volt low comes on when i start it but its always stay charged, or the rotary valve. Noone to fix it here in WV.. mine goes up to 5000 or so...