Re: Sport Jet 90 Regulator question?
Here is the latest. I am posting this so others can benefit from my experience.
I replaced the entire ignition system. Not because I believed that it was bad, but I just wanted to have everything updated to CDI for the peace-of-mind that it should be (somewhat) reliable. After putting everything back together I had good spark on two of the three cylinders. The spark was so good that when spark testing the motor would start. I eventually cleaned all of the grounds on the plate that the ignition components bolt to. I checked the connections on the coil and tried it again. I had spark, so much so that the motor started on just the one cylinder as I had removed the other wires. Problem solved.
I then wanted to recheck the spark on the other cylinders. I connected the spark tester to the middle cylinder and removed the other two spark plug wires. I bumped the key and "Boom!" I finally learned that what they say about starting without water is true. There went the ride plate. I am convinced that this boat (motor) is possessed.
I was able to pound the ride plate back to good condition. Actually better than it was before. I used the boat yesterday and it ran great. It did have a fuel starvation episode for a few minutes. Luckily, I hadn't taken the spray bottle of pre-mix out of the boat yet even though I thought that it wasn't needed. I am wondering if I don't have a leak in the fuel line that prevents the prime from holding at times.
Lessons learned: Check the grounds. I have purchased a new starter because I believed the old one went bad but it was only due to battery and ground connections. I also blew the solenoid testing the starter by jumping the battery cable. I may have saved myself re-doing the whole ignition system by checking the grounds on the ignition plate, as well. I also blew a head gasket by using starting fluid.
I hope the kids can enjoy the boat from now on. This is my first two cycle boat motor. What a learning experience this has been. I am very mechanically minded even though it probably doesn't sound like it, but this thing is kicking my A**.
