Really strange problem with both my Superjet and Kawa 650...both are usually real easy to start, but after 2 weeks sitting won't fire at all. Tried new plugs, jumper leads to the car - heaps of spark, fuel ok (primer) even tried engine start as a last resort. The only thing I have managed was a huge backfire on two occasions, but nothing else. I'm starting to think it might be something to do with the type of fuel, used 91 Gull fuel cos they only had biofuel as a high octane. Both skis were running sweet last time I used em and were washed down properly. Any ideas on what to try? Cheers
Check compression, thats the only other thing required to start! Take the plugs out and use your finger to half cover the spark plug hole to blow out any excess fuel before trying again.. Check the gap on the plugs... Then try change the gas, might be a bad tank.. Take off the top of the carb and check it all looks fine around the butterfly.. If the spark is strong but not firing, timing could be out... Or something with the CDI / stator / coils so check the impedence of those.. I put that together and used Threadlock and my big screw driver but surf riding does weird things.. Or it could be a leak somewhere, but again... don't think so? Check the reed valves.. Thats about everything considering the problem is even present with the primer...
Yep, lots of spark. On Rumbles advice I pulled the plug and plugged it with my finger as a compression test - plenty of "pop" there, blew my finger out nicely. Think I'm gonna find some 98 fuel and try that, can't think what else it could be.
Not really the best test, I'd still try to borrow a meter, but enough there to do that would suggest it should start!
Geez guys just before you do a total rebuild try cleaning the carbs and NEVER run 91 in old skis.96 or higher and mite pay to check your reeds after huge backfires.
If both are doing it then i would have to suspect something like fuel I would say you have a bad dose of fuel It would seem strange that they both started doing it at the same time
ALL GO! Filled em up with 98, turned them over without plugs to clear whatever was in there - put new plugs in both skis, checked the gap and hooked the running car up with jumper leads to the battery to make sure the battery had enough juice - then poured some 98 straight into the carb and they started straight away. Lesson on fuel learnt, never use 91... ..on that note, anyone know if its ok to use Gull 98 with 10% ethanol? They reckon older cars shouldn't use it as it can corrode the fuel tank and the alcohol dissolves crap blocking fuel filters, but skis have plastic fuel tanks? Cheers!
I have used it before when i had no other option and it was fine. they reckon not to use it in marine equipment cause it draws on moisture but as long as you dont have a way of moisture geting into your tank easily it should be sweet.
Go to the web-site www.fcai.com.au/ethanol Fully read the info. on this site, particularly the section titled "Capability of vehicles to satisfactorily operate on Ethanol Blend petrol". I've made up my mind - no Ethanol Blend fuel in any 'ski I own.
Interesting site... Notice how all Kawasaki, Yamaha and Honda motorcycles (and atv's)aren't compatible - looks like anything with carbs most definitely isn't suitable.
