Purchase of 2003 MSX 140

[K447]

… 2 of the 3 spark plug wires don't clip on to the plugs securely ...

Can the metal clip be squeezed tighter using needle nose pliers?

Also check the spark plug wire ohms from need to end, while flexing the wires. Ohms reading should be fairly stable during the flexing. And within the correct ohm range, of course.

[martincom]

I got the regulator repaired and have started reassembly. One thing I noticed is that 2 of the 3 spark plug wires don't clip on to the plugs securely. Where are people getting new spark plug wires? OEM wires are NLA...

You better hurry up! There is only three weeks of summer left......

Back in the early '70s, Accel offered a universal spark plug set. You'd cut the plug wires to the length required and then install the boot & contact on distributor end. The set included a die set to crimp the contact on to the wire. You'd install one half of the die set in a vise with the contact opening up, place contact over the wire and position in the vise mounted die. You'd then place the other end of the die over the contact and strike with a hammer, to perform the crimp action. It actually worked very well and yielded a strong mechanical connection. Often I'd keep a set around to make plug wires for small engines.

If re-forming the spark plug end contact, as K447 suggested and I often do, does not resolve your issue, you may want to seek something like the Accel plug wire set.

[martincom]

I saw the post for this on Craig's List. I trust you did much better than asking price. 300 hours is a lot.

[K447]

As an update, I must have been in the sun and unable to read the display, as I fired it up again and it was flashing the red light because it's low on fuel. It revved to around 6200 rpm out of water.

Out of the water the engine should easily rev to redline where the rev limiter activates. And it should not take much throttle squeeze to get there, with no water load on the impeller.

If it cannot reach redline something is wrong.

I forget the exact number but Ficht rev limiter is above 6800, something like 7200 or 7400?

[K447]

- water test

https://youtu.be/2LiyyWqQ95Y

https://youtu.be/Q-X6FvPE8y8

[casey67]

That is basically what is in there.Some models might have a dab of adhesive/epoxy to help hold it in place.But I might be remembering ride plate/intake grate inserts. Not sure about the MSX.

IIRC they are an interference fit from the factory.
Replacements and also the "add-on" sponsons kit ( early models,like 92-96 )were the expanding type.

[HiPeRcO]

I believe that in some cases (maybe all cases?) that the sponson mounting holes go all the way through the hull, making them a potential leak spot. So silicone on the bolts (and inserts?) is a good idea.

[Myself]

Well DAMN! My guts would be in knots over this.....so much work and time to be disappointed like this.

[HiPeRcO]

Dang it!

[Myself]

I'm always paranoid of something like this happening. I check the plug color after about 15 minutes ride time. Then again after about 30 minutes. Then after one is broken in, I do a WOT plug chop and check again. I HAVE saved myself a piston or 2 through the years like this.

[Myself]

It sure appears to be a lean burndown. I've even seen that happen from a bad exhaust or base gasket......on those you can also find signs of the water intrusion. Is the head unusually clean or chalky and nasty.

[tjacoby]

I have a 2003 msx 140. I bought it 6 years ago and haven't had any issues until last summer. It starts easily, idles great, runs smooth, until it gets to around 30 mph. Then it feels like it's misfiring. i took it to a shop and they replaced the fuel pump and filter. That didn't fix the issue. I researched and found a post where the owner was having the exact same issue. He solved it with an air temperature sensor. I replace the sensor but it is still doing the same thing. I did see that the cover over the air box had rubbed a hole through the top of the sensor. It put a big indent in the new sensor. So, i'm going to trim the piece of the cover back so it doesn't hit the 2nd new sensor I've purchased. I also purchased a water temperature sensor. I can't find any post that shows how to replace it. I believe it's under the "exhaust manifold". I'm not super engine knowledgeable. Does soneone know of a post that explains how to replace the water temp sensor? Whether either of these fix the jetski I'm gonna sell it. I've already purchased 2 new skis. Thanks for any help.

[Myself]

All of the FICHT di machines are old now and the EMM is suspect. Lakeside Tech can test your EMM and make all the necessary repairs.