Polaris SLTX Problems

[shawnmd]

I am wondering if someone can tell me where to start with the issues I am having with a 1999 Polaris SLTX. When driving, it is hard to start, have to prime it 5 or six times, then it will sortof go then all of a sudden take off like a rocket. Almost like its bogging. It may work fine for a while, then all of sudden lose power. For instance, flying across a lake, it will be running at around 30 miles/he then bang, it takes off to 50 miles /hr. Almost like a cylinder started firing. I have changed the plugs, and trimmed the plug wires. but no luck. Where do I go from here?

[la90043]

Re: Polaris SLTX Problems

whats the history of the carbs huh? recently cleaned/rebuilt?

[shawnmd]

Re: Polaris SLTX Problems

I'm not sure when tghey were rebuilt last. Is there much to rebuilding them? I am envisioning pulling them apart and little springs flying everywhere. Is there a guide on the net?

One thing I did notice is that it starts acting up when it gets low on fuel. Not extremely low, right around a quarter tank left. If you fill it up, it works fine. I know, this sounds crazy, but its true.

[la90043]

Re: Polaris SLTX Problems

thats probably the motor in limp mode. the motor retards the timing when its low in fuel telling the rider they have 15 minutes approximately of riding time left.

[la90043]

Re: Polaris SLTX Problems

you have the keihin carbs in it. go to the link i posted and scroll down to keihin carburetors. there you will see how to do a rebuild/cleaning of the carbs



http://shopsbt.com/guides.htm

[shawnmd]

Re: Polaris SLTX Problems

thats probably the motor in limp mode. the motor retards the timing when its low in fuel telling the rider they have 15 minutes approximately of riding time left.

The only thing is, it will rev well over 5000 RPM when it is acting up, just doesn't have power. Then boom, it takes off

[la90043]

Re: Polaris SLTX Problems

you most probably have a fuel delivery problem check the whole symptom. from the "air" one way check valve at the fuel tank. if that clogged it will starve the motor of fuel. that "one way "air" check valve will cause an air lock. it'l be like trying to suck a baskedball through a garden hose for the fuel pump which is impossible for it. check for bent/kinked fuel lines coming out of the gas tank and every where else. check and make sure all hose fittings are snug and tight. check the pulse line that comes out of the motor to the fuel pimp for any air leaks or lose hose fittings. that hose should be as short as possible. make sure you have no water in the fuel/water separator. if so find the source of the water and fix it. make sure your fuel selector switch opens completely.

the fuel from the tank runs off of gravity to the fuel pump so everything must be in tip top shape.

the fuel pump pushes fuel up to the carbs. make sure all hoses and fittings coming out of the fuel pump to your carburetors and are not leaking or has lose hose fittings.

lose hose fittings or a broken hose will either leak fuel or/and suck in air causing fuel delivery problems.

if after you have checked all of that and still have problems its probably time to have the carburetors cleaned and rebuilt and the fuel pump too since you do not have any history of that service being performed. it could be since new they havent been rebuilt or cleaned out. pieces like the diaphrams get weak and stops working properly in the fuel pump and in the carburetors. if you have an inline fuel filter take that out and only replace it with an oem one.

[shawnmd]

Re: Polaris SLTX Problems

Thanks for the help.. I had the ski out again today and the problem seemed to get worse. I would be cruising along at 50 mph and then it would just drop to 30. At one point it just stopped and stalled. After priming a few times, it would start but would bog. It seemed that if I waited 5- 10 mins before restarting, it would be back to normal.

How can I go about testing the air vent for the tank? What is the procedure? What size fuel lines should I replace the grey lies with?

[la90043]

Re: Polaris SLTX Problems

if its the air vent, one way to check it is by opening the fuel tank cap. then close it back up and see if it runs for another 10-15 minutes. that'l relieve the vacuum lock created in the fuel tank.

also........! if you keep running the motor for a lack of fuel.......................................kaboom. .........!......kaboom.......kaboom............... .......

dont do that no more...............

check your whole fuel system................repair them carbs..............no history on them.

as for the check air valve on the fuel tank vent line just follow the lines coming out of the gas tank....................you'l run into two of them....................one is a pressure release valve which releases air pressure inside the fuel tank when it gets too high. the other valve allow air to enter the fuel tank as the fuel tank gets lower on fuel.

the fuel in the fuel tank is replaced by air as the fuel is being used. this air enters through the "air" vent valve. like i said, if that "air" vent valve is clogged the fuel will not flow to the fuel pump.....................

[Technical Support]

Re: Polaris SLTX Problems

When you take the carbs off, pull the intake and check your reeds also. Tom SBT Tech .

[shawnmd]

Re: Polaris SLTX Problems

Changed all the fuel lines tonight as well as the fuel filter. I honestly do not know how that seadoo even ran. The fuel lines were clogged full of gunk. You wouldn't believe. Will try it tomorrow. It started in the garage tonight fine.