Problem Starting Engine.?

Question

I am asking this again to see if i can get some more insight. I have a 2003 kawasaki jet ski(stx12f) and have been having an issue with starting it. From a cold start i have to cover the air intake to get it to start, after its hot it will start but idles rough,is prone to stall and will only give half throttle when fully pulled. after 5-10 sec the engine will respond to throttle but fluctuates up and down. its a four cycle, four cylinder , fuel injected engine. I have cleaned the fuel system including injectors, reset computer, checked throttle cable, spark plugs, and countless other things. any help would be great. the repair shop near me is backed up for over a month and costs 100 dollars an hour just to diagnose, im tring to avoid that.

Answer 1

okay U say U have to cover the intake to get it ito start.That means U are not getting enough gas.The firsdt thing U have to do before U post here again is to change the fuel filter. If you cant get the thing to idle right then nothing else will work.

If by chance U have already changed the filter then you must look at Fuel Line Pressure--- Look over the regulator.

Get a propane bottle with the s***w on burner head. When you try to start it squirt some propane gas into the throttle body and see if U can keep it running. If U can its either the fuel pump cant build up enough pressure or the regulator cant maintain it.

Answer 2

Sounds like a dicky air flow meter.

What city do you live in? I'm on the committee of a ski club & I race skis. I can likely point in the direction of somewhere that could help you.

Answer 3

it may have a cold start injector seperate to the injectors that go to the cylinders.This is usually situated directly into the inlet manifold.It could possibbly be the ignition leads.Make sure the air cleaner is not blocked.Im not a mechanic but love tinkering hope this is some help good luck mate

Answer 4

It sounds like you've covered most of the usual stuff.  I can't put my finger on it, but this sounds like a mechanical problem that is internal in the engine.  Be sure to tell the shop that you take it to, everything you've done and the results.  If you brought it to me, I go straight to tare -it-down, but then I might double check the obvious stuff again.  Good luck!!!  Oh! I wouldn't run it until someone checks it, You could do more damage.  I'm thinking pistons, rings etc.