18 VX Cruiser HO only going 47

[Jiujitsu77]

I just bought a 2018 VX Cruiser HO with 97 hours. We took it out for the first time and it only went 47 on gps. It wouldnt go higher than 6800 Rpm. I don't have it in L mode. I have heard of cycling it on an off. I also noticed alot of water in the hull. It didn't seem to leak when flushing. Could anyone tell me how a jetski with low hours would not top out and leak water into the hull? Any help would be greatly appreciated

[johnhoo08]

Replace all spark plugs and the ski should run a lot better.

[K447]

Welcome.

Has the watercraft ever operated properly for you, during test rides or since purchase?

What condition is it in?

Salt water or fresh water use history?

Is the hull interior under and around the engine quite clean or has signs of previous bilge water accumulation and grime?

What mechanical evaluation was done prior to, or after purchase?

Do you have the service history?

Engine cylinder compression check?

Correct spark plugs installed?
How old are the spark plugs?

Do you know if the jet pump impeller has even been repaired or replaced?

What condition is the impeller when visually inspected by looking up through the intake grate?
Are the impeller blade edges signed or bent?

There are checks you can do to determine where/why water is getting into the hull.
There are multiple possible ways for water to enter the hull bilge area.

[Jiujitsu77]

i have only ridden it 2 times, 1 test ride and 1 joy ride. it is in good condition, salt water use, the inside of the hull looks pretty clean. i havent done a compression check. the pump looks good. i dont know how old the spark plugs are, they will be changed before the next ride. what about water coming in the hull thru the water box? is that a possibility?

[K447]

 i haven't done a compression check.

 plugs ..l will be changed before the next ride.

what about water coming in the hull thru the water box? is that a possibility?

I donÔÇÖt know what ÔÇÿcoming through the water boxÔÇÖ might mean.

Water leaks are located by directly observing and checking. Inspect every hose clamp for tightness and that each connection is fully seated and the clamp is not crooked.

Take all the seats off, back it down the launch ramp, fully strapped to the trailer front and rear. With the jet pump submerged you can run the engine while you inspect and look for signs of water entry. Use a strong flashlight.

Dry the hull interior first, of course.
A wet vacuum plus a long flexible nozzle makes it easier to draw water from below the engine and the rear compartment.

https://youtu.be/2LiyyWqQ95Y

https://youtu.be/Q-X6FvPE8y8

[Jiujitsu77]

Thank u for the help

[Jiujitsu77]

Update. I watched the water level in the hull go down for about 5 days. we ran it with the water hose and couldnt find any leaks. i took it for a 20 min ride at idle due to the marinas long no wake zone and sucked out almost a gallon of water which leads me to believe that water is coming in thru where ride plate and the intake grate mate up to the hull. you can see the water drop forming to the left of the rear bolt hole on the right.

[K447]

Remove the intake grate. Six bolts, plus there will be some sealant around the bolt areas as you pull the grate down.

Clean the old sealant away, then look for signs of hull cracking. Pay attention around the four rear bolt holes and the cast metal hull inserts above them, visible inside the hull.

Model years 2018 back to 2015 these hulls have a known risk of cracking around the four rear bolt holes for the intake grate. Yamaha did revise the reinforcing for the hull inserts above these bolt holes, after 2018.

In any case, removing the intake grate will make it easier to locate where the water really is coming from.

If need be you can also remove the large ride plate. You may want to remove the speedo sensor from the ride plate first if you want to be able to set the ride plate aside while you look around under there. Sensor screws probably have thread locking compound so use a good tool and technique to remove them. The big ride plate bolts will be similar.

[Mr. GP1800]

Remove the intake grate. Six bolts, plus there will be some sealant around the bolt areas as you pull the grate down.

Clean the old sealant away, then look for signs of hull cracking.

2018 and back to 2015 these hulls have a known risk of cracking around the four rear bolt holes for the intake grate. Yamaha did revise the reinforcing for the hull inserts above these bolt holes after 2018.

In any case, removing the intake grate will make it easier to locate where the water really is coming from.

If need be you can also remove the large ride plate. You may want to remove the speedo sensor from the ride plate first if you want to be able to set the ride plate aside while you look around under there. Sensor screws probably have thread locking compound so use a good tool and technique to remove them. The big ride plate bolts will be similar.

2019 was the first year they corrected the intake grate issue. My 2018 required the fix

[Jiujitsu77]

Thank you for the info

[Jiujitsu77]

[Jiujitsu77]

it is leaking from the rear bolts of the intake grate on both sides. i took it to WFO Performance for the repair. here are some pictures.

[hotbutta]

You're in good hands.

[Jiujitsu77]

just picked up my ski from WFO performance. awesome place and great people. here are a few pics.