1/4 tank left when engine dies

[gunbunny316]

I have a 1996 sea-doo XP runs great! new motor and parts. After I running the jet-ski for awhile and the tank drops to a quarter left the engine acts as if it has no gas even with it on the res. their is fuel in the fuel filter, but the plugs are dry. I have spark and battery is good. I also noticed my red light stays on in the fuel gauge? I top of the fuel in the tank then after awhile it will start. I have no fuel leaks or any other problems. If anyone can help with the red light issue too I would appreciate it. I would also know how too check it with out taking anything apart such as the fuel pump.:emoticont

[Bill O'Neal2]

Re: 1/4 tank left when engine dies

Install a new fuel selector valve. The reserve valve is clogged up.

[gunbunny316]

Re: 1/4 tank left when engine dies

how do I check the selector valve to see if it actually needs replacement? Parts are costly and I do not want to pay for something I do not need. ;) and how about a red light on the fuel gauge?

[Bill O'Neal2]

Re: 1/4 tank left when engine dies

The red light actually has nothing to do with the ability to suck fuel from the fuel tank. If the fuel pump were bad, it wouldn't run on the first 3/4 tank.
The red light is triggered by a circuit board and float in the fuel baffel, which is not much more than a fuel sending unit that supplys the information to the fuel guage. The baffel has two tubes in it, one connected to the fuel vale "ON" hose and the other connected to the fuel valve "RES" hose. If either valve is clogged up, it will not suck fuel through that valve. Chances are better than not that the filters inside of the carbureators are pretty much clogged up too, as the same debris that clogged up the fuel valve will get into them too. The red light is susposed to come on when the tank drops below 1/4 tank, so that the operator can switch to "RES" and head back to the dock for gas.

To test the valve, blow air through it in both positions. It should blow through freely without any restriction.

[frankey01]

Re: 1/4 tank left when engine dies

I have a working good fuel valve 20 shipped to your door if you want it let me know. Or you can go order one form your dealer at 22-24 and pick it up.

[gunbunny316]

Re: 1/4 tank left when engine dies

Thanks alot for the info! Will let you know how it works out. I will replace the filters in the carb and blow the air in the switch. As far as the light I guess I will have to check the tank to see if the float is stuck, becuse the light stays on always never goes off. Thanks julian

[frankey01]

Re: 1/4 tank left when engine dies

Float kits are 10 bucks most likely what has happened is your float has stopped floating and that is why it is always on as it thinks it is empty because the float is not floating.

[gunbunny316]

Re: 1/4 tank left when engine dies

OK, checked yout the fuel switch checked out ok! no obstructions of deposits, checked the flat in the tank and it works fine. checked the lines to the carb with the fuel switch in both normal and reserve positions gas flow good (yuk) :emoticonb . Checked the repair manuel and found that the carbs operate on gravity feed when tank is full to less than half then the pump palys an inportant part running off the crank case hose. I suspect the fuel pump since on a full tank it operates fine until it get 1/4 then just idles down and dies.

Should I rebuild the two carbs or just try the fuel pumb only? as far as the light on the gas wondering how to check the cuircut board in the tank?

BTW my fuel baffel has four hoses connected to it, two for the fuel switch ,one for ventalation,and one for fuel return from carbs.

[frankey01]

Re: 1/4 tank left when engine dies

four hoses is correct as far as the fuel pump question it is integrated into the carb so you will rebuild it anyway when rebuilding the carbs

[gunbunny316]

Re: 1/4 tank left when engine dies

Do you have a rebuild kit?

[frankey01]

Re: 1/4 tank left when engine dies

Yes I sell rebuild kits. They do not include the needle and seats as do noone elses. PM me if interested.

[1fastski.com]

Re: 1/4 tank left when engine dies

being in CA you would get parts from Bill Oneil the fastest if your close to him he would be the best to bring your ski to for service :-)

[1fastski.com]

Re: 1/4 tank left when engine dies

or franky lol i guess we were typin at the same time

[frankey01]

Re: 1/4 tank left when engine dies

I just noticed he was in CA and if near glendora then yes Bill Oneal is the man to go to. If you just want kits I can get them for you

[gunbunny316]

Re: 1/4 tank left when engine dies

naw I live in Vallejo,CA bud and I already ordered the rebuild kit , but having the hardest time getting a speedo meter, the last guy who owned it somehow corroded all the gauges? lamo I tried ordering it but discontinued, No junk yards around here with it. Would like to know if I can use another model that has simular wiring? can you help? anyone:emoticonw