Common Fuel System Issues
A jet ski is a fun way to experience adventure and speed on the water. When it comes to your jet ski, you need it to run smoothly and without issue to truly enjoy it at its full potential. If you are experiencing some issues, a common culprit is a problem with the fuel system. The fuel system is important to how your ride performs and there can be several different types of issues. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common fuel system issues.
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Leaky Fuel Cap: One of the most common fuel system issues, as well as one of the easiest to fix, is a leaky fuel cap. Sometimes, a fuel cap will simply become stripped in the seal where it meets the lip of the fuel tank. This can lead to a loss of fuel or water getting in the tank. You should check the condition of your cap every few months to make sure the fit is tight and creates a secure seal. If you find any issues here, it is easy to order a new cap based on the specifications of your model to remedy this problem. This should be the first thing you check if you suspect an issue with the fuel system since it is so easy to fix and rather common.
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Fuel Delivery Problem: This is another common issue with jet skis. When there are fuel delivery problems, you will see certain signs to help you pinpoint the issue. For instance, if the jet ski only low revs in the water even with the throttle all the way down, surges when revving instead of staying constant, or it suddenly cuts the engine when at a higher speed, you probably have a fuel delivery problem. This is one of the most common fuel system issues and there are a few things to check.
- Check cylinders. For starters, you want to make sure you have clean and properly gapped plugs and a confirmed spark on both cylinders. This will tell you if the problem exists in one of the cylinders of the system or on both cylinders which can be helpful as you narrow down possible causes.
- Check fuel filter. You should clean the fuel filter and make sure the o-ring is still in place. Make sure you don’t clean the filter with anything harsh enough to dissolve the fiber mesh of the filter. Most times, simply rinsing it out with warm water is enough. If not, you can use soapy water.
- Check the fuel selector valve. This is an area where clogs are common due to build up. Using carburetor cleaner, remove the fuel selector valve and clean it out. You can also blow it out with compressed air to remove any clogs further down the valve.
- Check the spark plugs. The spark plugs play a role in the fuel delivery system so this should be an easy thing to check and an important aspect of checking for fuel delivery problems. If you find the spark plugs are no good, replacing them may be enough to remedy the situation completely.
- Check the carburetor’s high-speed adjuster. The issue may present as a fuel system issue but could simply be that your high-speed adjuster isn’t set right and that is the reason for the issues when revving. You should check that the idle speed is set to low speed and see if that helps with the lurching when revving.
- Check fuel hose connections. You want to make sure the fuel hose connections are tight and that the check valves blow one way only. If you find any issues here, then take the time to remedy the issue either in settings or installing new items.
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Busted/Clogged Fuel Line: Another of the most common fuel system issues is a broken fuel line. If the fuel line has a puncture, it is leaking fuel which means the jet ski is struggling to get what it needs to run properly. If there is a clog in the line, the jet ski runs into the same problem because it is only getting partial fuel instead of the full shot it needs to accelerate and maintain speed. These are both relatively easy to spot and easy to fix.
If your line has any leaks or tears, you will be able to see them, feel them, or find them by way of flushing the line with water once disconnected from the machine. If you find any issues, promptly replace it with a new fuel line to remedy the problem. To test for a clog, flush the line and if water isn’t coming out on the other end without issue, there is a clog and you should continue to flush it until the clog is gone. You can also run the line with a soapy water solution or mild cleaner to break up the clog until water flushes through it all the way without issue.