Kawasaki 650 X2 jetski Problems?

Question

I have a 89 650 X2 JetSki it ran great till the other day I was ridding and it starting acting like it had a fouled a plug. So I put new ones in and went back out and it would run good till I leaned to turn then I would lose all my power. I stoped riding now when i go to ride it it will take right off then a few seconds later it looses all it power I checked everything I could think of ,like the compression ,then the pump, and I even messed around iwth the carb to see if it would help but it didn't. Now I dont know what to do. It runs great on my stand with and without water but when you open the throttle up it spits and sputters (bah-bah-bah). So I can't think of anything on my own. Can you please help it is fusterating me.

Answer 1

Just got back from the lake with my own X2 (89 as well). Fun machine. I have 8 skis, and that one is my favorite!

It may be fuel related, may not. It is really hard to tell whether fuel, or ignition kills it. In a carburated ar, you can tell when it is fuel because it kind of bogs down, then quits. YOur ski has a mikuni carb, but it does not have a float. When you run out of fuel, there is no bogging down, it just stops!

A couple of things come to mind which I have found on mine as well as other Kawasakis.

There is a pipe assembly inside the fuel tank that I have seen split, and even broken off on a few skis.

There is a "pulse" hose which runs to the cranckcase that operates the fuel pump. This can be split, cracked or loose.

The diapraghm in the pump may also be worn.

I have seen the fuel selector valve restricted, or the tank check valve plugged.

There is also a thin plastic check valve in the carb that can and does frequently stick, or wear out.

The carb diapragham which opens the fuel needle may be worn, or split.

I have seen spark plug wires burn in two (inside the insulation, they are solid core). The are made to the ignitor, but it is possible to change them, the re-seal them. Use copper  soild core wire if you do.

That motor also uses reed valves at the intake which wear and can cause your symptoms.

These are SOME of the problems I've seen with the Kawasakis, but by no means all!

You say you have good compression. If you used the "thumb gauge" instead of a testor, you really don't know. I have two (one 650, one 750) at my shop right now with burned # 2 pistons. Both owners told me "I've got good compression!"

Here is a site which shows diagrams, and a place for parts.

http://216.37.204.206/Mcmart/Kawasaki_OE...

I have the factory service manual for most Kawasakis, (and others).  Let me know if you don't find your trouble, maybe I can help.

Answer 2

sounds like fuel problem to me have you checked your filters when you are leaning the fuel in the tank also leans with you as you will knowbut the pump should still suck the petrol out this is whats making me think its filters and they are poss blocked though you say it runs great on the stand  is the  carbs diaphram seated properly and the needles are straight  i would check these and if still no answers i would check someone who deals with them  i dont know where you live but near me is a firm who deal with outboards etc its called

white bear marina ...www.bwml.co.uk/marina/17/white+bear+m...

they deal mainly with canal barge stuff etc but the mechs may be able to point you in some direction

best of luck