Cylinder Head Gasket Troubleshooting On A Sea Doo Jet Ski

A riding associate called us for help saying he was getting power "surging" on his 2012 Sea-Doo RXT-X 260 jet ski. After a bit of troubleshooting, all indicators pointed to a bad cylinder head gasket.
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Filmed with a Canon 70D camera in the great Pacific Northwest.
Music: Pepper's Funk by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommon...
Artist: audionautix.com/;
Road Trip, by Slynk;
Trips, by Topher Mohr and Alex Elena

[@kennyschopperz]

As a jet ski mechanic myself, I must say, NICE VIDEO! Most people, including myself, don't take the time to film each and every step with detail, or at least 90% of them. This is what sets your video's apart from every one else! Great Job!

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Thanks very much, Kenny!

[@Bmxjoe26]

I tape a clear water bottle to side off coolant resovior and put overflow tube in it. Go run unit hard. If any coolant is in water bottle the head gasket is blown.

[@adolfolledo503]

Smoth and clean...great job!

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Thanks, Adolfo.

[@tubsworld-authorgerneldarr3106]

Your A Awesome Mechanic🎯🏆 A treat to Watch🎉🥇 Watching from Bermuda Island 🇧🇲 May 2024

[@3ftDeepChannel]

And you are very kind. Thank you!

[@randygreer5491]

You are a quality tech/mechanic I would know I'm one and a ME as well. Great Job (as usual).

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Thanks, Randy!

[@ct0]

wrenching with a watch on is a whole other level of wrenching

[@ALABAMADAVE]

Currently replacing the head gasket on a 2006 RXT- Pretty great video/ thank you. Never worked on a sea doo before so a few more details in the video would have saved me hours. It would have been extremely beneficial to your viewers to have shown how to turn the engine by hand (17mm on supercharger clockwise) to line up TDC. Location of the chain tensioner bolt/ When to lock the crankshaft. Is it necessary to lock the crankshaft for head gasket? How do I properly clean the surface of the block? Does the camshaft need to be locked when reinstalling? How do you check to make sure timing is correct by hand before starting the motor?

[@3ftDeepChannel]

The crank and cam need to be locked when the cam chain sprocket is installed so the cam timing is correct. The head and block can be cleaned with some 400 grit sand paper wrapped around a hard flat object like a piece of 2x4. Cam timing can be checked by leaving the spark plugs out and rotating the motor by hand to check for any interference and the cam gear marks still line up after a few rotations.

[@ALABAMADAVE]

@@3ftDeepChannel I put #3 at TDC and locked the camshaft only. Used a sharpie to mark the chain/ gear. Never locked the crankshaft but was careful not to pull on the chain when installing the gear. Everything runs great! Thank you for the reply!

[@denniswittjr876]

@@3ftDeepChannel how do you turn it over by hand?I tried to turn mine over by the supercharger as previously stated but the 17mm doesn’t fit

[@3ftDeepChannel]

What do you mean it doesn’t fit? Are you sure that’s the right size for your machine?

[@ALABAMADAVE]

@@3ftDeepChannel he could be using a short socket. Update: head gasket blew again after 2 rides. Sanded and cleaned the surfaces of the head and block. Everything was 100% flat. Used oem stretch bolts/ followed torque sequence and specs directly from the manual. Used oem gasket. However I did use some copper gasket spray (I feel like this is the main culprit) mostly copper flakes in the coolant and not the black gasket material.

[@paulogracia3145]

Congrats!!

[@mauriciomuttschall4370]

Esse é mestre, conhece muito sobre mecânica, deve ser um dos melhores do mundo.

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Obrigada!

[@cap2c484]

Nice diagnosis and fix. Any theories as to what caused this failure? Did the machine overheat at some point? Factory flaw in the cylinder head surface?

[@3ftDeepChannel]

The head gasket replacement seemed to do the trick, so it appears to have been a bad gasket. We're not sure why it failed, as we don't see it that often, even in older machines.

[@cap2c484]

@@3ftDeepChannel I am willing to bet someone at BRP thought they found a way to save money. Sort of like the genius idea of making the steering and reverse cable retaining nuts out of plastic. 🤦

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Exactly! It's hard to fathom how anyone could justify making a critical part like that out of plastic.

[@evotech_built]

Great video! Oil in plugs probably was causing misfires. I see this a lot on benzs I service

[@3ftDeepChannel]

I'm sure you're right. We did find quite a bit of oil and head gasket debris in the coolant, though. Thanks for the tip.

[@BondsGarage]

Another great video! Would have been cool to see timing setting when installing the cam gear, excellent job as usual and thank you.

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Thanks for the tip. This isn’t one of our typical “how to” videos though. We do show that process in one or two other videos though, if you’d like to check out our library.

[@BondsGarage]

@@3ftDeepChannel And... ugh...yep sorry... I missed that. Supercharger failure part 4. You guys do such a great job on these, and have helped me tremendously as I learn. Thanks again on another great video.

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Thanks!

[@patrickduran8163]

Okay I believe I have a bad head gasket, however the “gurgling” isn’t coming from my coolant over flow but rather one of my intercooler hoses the water outlet hose to be exact. I would assume that I shouldn’t be hearing and gurgling at all but just wanted to run this by you and see if you have dealt with this kind of scenario. This video has helped a bunch ! I have the little black flakes in my bottle. White chalky residue on my plugs and the gurgling (just in the wrong spot) haha

[@3ftDeepChannel]

If you think your intercooler might be leaking, check out our earlier video on testing your intercooler. PWC muscle also does a good tutorial so they put out recently. Good luck!

[@patrickduran8163]

@@3ftDeepChannel oh no, it’s brand new. It’s a fizzle f1000 intercooler and it’s good. I’m more concerned with having a head gasket problem like in the video. I have all of the symptoms as the ski in this video except the “gurgling” on my ski is coming from my water inlet hose. This is happening when I pressurize the system through the cylinder with compressed air

[@44442012]

@@patrickduran8163 You should try pressurizing the coolant loop, and if you see any loss of pressure then 100% head gasket

[@ВладимирКлюев-г1с]

Thanks!

[@3ftDeepChannel]

You're welcome!

[@willliamvivas7240]

Hi. I have a 2007 GTI 155. And there is water in the oil, what could have caused that?

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Most likely it is a failing head gasket, but could also be a leaking seal on your water pump or oil cooler. Good luck.

[@danielkerekes3588]

Hi, thanks so much for all your videos, they are awesome. I just bought a 2008 RXP X 255 last week (250 hours on engine). I've only taken it out on the water a couple of times, but it was sluggish in acceleration and had a low top speed (around 40 mph). I found the same problem as the other commenter, Tino - coolant reservoir is empty and oil is overfull and milky. Based on your responses it sounds like it could be a head gasket issue, hopefully it doesn't break the bank. Thanks for explaining all of these problems.

[@3ftDeepChannel]

My first guess would be head gasket. Although it could also be a few other things. Thanks for the kind words, Daniel and good luck.

[@danielkerekes3588]

@@3ftDeepChannel Thanks for your reply! I just spoke with the local jet ski repair shop and they said it also might be the oil cooler, because it is pretty uncommon to see ALL of the coolant leak into the oil and really overfill the oil with just a head gasket issue. But they don't have availability to do diagnostics for a while. Does that also sound reasonable to you? Do you have a video on how to remove the oil cooler and/or leak test it?

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Yes, that would’ve been our second choice. The oil cooler is very easy to remove. There are just a few bolts holding it on. No video on removing it specifically, but it is seen in the one where we take apart the GTI SE 130 ski with 900 hours on it. Good luck.

[@danielkerekes3588]

@@3ftDeepChannel Awesome, I will check it out! Crossing my figures that it's the easier of the issues ha. Thank you again.

[@trvman1]

You know what is "scary". That in 10 years there will be so few REAL jet ski mechanics that getting any work done will cost you over $200 an hour. I see where dealers are now getting $130.00 an hour. People are going to have to seriously consider this before buying one because mechanics will be far and few between and you could wait 6 months to get a repair.

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Are you saying that by watching these type of videos and doing it yourself, it will increase the cost to hire a mechanic? That would suggest that a decrease in demand increases prices, which is normally the reverse.

[@trvman1]

@@3ftDeepChannel You really think the average person could do what you did/do in these video's? I think not.

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Well, we're not mechanics. Besides, we put these out to help average people, not experts.

[@jean-philippeallain9344]

Good job

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Thanks

[@tyreebaldwin7598]

Hello you have very informational videos, some people just come to be spoon fed. But you give us what we need thanks! Im having trouble and im wondering if you wouldnt mind a response or two thank you! I have a 06 gti 155. Idk PO.(no history). It needed plugs as they were corroded ski sat for a while, change gas it started fine took it to the lake. About 5 mins on trailer 5 mins 1/4 throttle then limp mode overheating buzzer. Shut down ski started back idled to dock. Took home found oil in coolant, did a blue liquid check stayed blue. Leak down stayed at 10% each cylinder. Has low hours on ski. No bubbles through (cool res). But i do see a few black flakes. Idk what direction to go any help is greatly appreciated and needed thank you!

[@3ftDeepChannel]

There are three ways that problem normally arises: 1. Faulty oil cooler. 2. Faulty head gasket. 3. Faulty seal in water pump. Black flakes usually indicates a bad head gasket, but not always. The overheating warning may actually be a separate problem. That one may just be a bad temperature sensor. I'd check that out. As for the corroded spark plugs, that's not normal. That suggests that water vapor (hopefully not standing water) was in the cylinders, which may also suggest that of the three possible causes of oil mixing it is most likely to be your head gasket. The oil coolers don't fail as regularly, so that would be last on my list. That's where I'd start. Good luck!

[@DevonSpittleREAL]

excellent!

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Thanks!

[@danbasile3621]

Love your content wish there was lots more! Out of curiosity was the head warped at all or were you guys just being cautious? Thanks

[@3ftDeepChannel]

The head was not warped. We try to make as much contact as possible, but as we are just “garage mechanics” so there is not always a lot to be filmed that would be of interest to people. We have more projects on the go right now, though so more content is coming. Thanks for your comment and kind words.

[@nickpike4335]

Haha I did my valve springs the other day and heard the gurgling too, with coolant at the minimum after everytime I take it out. Guess I’m diving back into it

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Good luck.

[@nickpike4335]

@@3ftDeepChannel your videos will guide me 👍👍

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Thanks, Nick.

[@LewisMowersandBoats]

Very informative brother thanks 😊

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Thanks, Lewis!

[@tony97gt]

Great videos! I have the same machine but with the AS and I removed the top half to replace a leaking oil cooler and a bunch of other neglected parts. Any videos on adjusting the steering? I put it all back together but seem to have some play in the steering setup that I’d like to tighten up.

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Yes, check out our video on how to adjust the steering on your Sea-Doo. We put it out about six months ago. Good luck.

[@Jericho_bella]

Does that typically happen more on turbocharged sea doo mine is not turbocharged just wondering I have 0 issues as it only has 12 hours on them both

[@3ftDeepChannel]

It isn’t a very common occurrence, so I’m not sure. Probably. Keep in mind that Sea-Doos have superchargers, not turbo chargers. I wouldn’t worry about it at this point.

[@perkypat2214]

Cooling system flush?

[@3ftDeepChannel]

We didn't show that in the video, but yes given how much oil was in there it needed a flush. Thanks for pointing that out.

[@alexz707]

Nice video as always :) shouldn't you change the oil after that repair?

[@3ftDeepChannel]

The oil was actually in good condition. Oil mixed into the coolant, but not the other way around in this case. Thanks for your comment.

[@mikeredfield2102]

I am working on a 2013 GTI 130SE and the engine oil leaked into the coolant that made icky mess throughout the entire system, but there is no trace of coolant in the oil. Do you think it's a blown head gasket or a leaking oil cooler? Also, what's a fast way to flush out all that mess from the cooling system?? Thanks for making great videos!

[@3ftDeepChannel]

That's a tough one. We've seen more leaking head gaskets than oil coolers so it's likely the former. But as it's a 2013 model without a supercharger, it's unusual for a head gasket failure. Keep in mind it could also be a coolant pump seal failure. Sorry we can't be more precise as to which one is your issue. After the issue is addressed, I'd drain the coolant the usual way, fill it with coolant system cleaning solution, follow the instructions and drain again. Repeat until the coolant is clean. Good luck and thanks for the kind words!

[@mikeredfield2102]

@@3ftDeepChannel Hey, thanks!! I found your reply so now I will pull the PTO cover. Besides the Oil seal, do I replace the rotary seal too? Besides the gaskets, are there any other parts you would suggest replacing? Not planning on keeping this unit and will be recommending to the camp that we sell the two 2013's we have as I have found pulling the pump housing is way more difficult than on our 2018's. Thank you very much! Mike

[@mikeredfield2102]

I'm back...just. watched this oil pump assembly video and see that there's a weep hole between the oil and water pump seals. no big amounts of raw oil in the hull, just the milkshake that overflowed from the coolant reservoir tank. So now what... kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKC1nomVhqaefZo

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Yes, you must replace the seals when you take it apart. You should get hold of a service manual for your machine. It will answer all of your questions. Good luck.

[@mikeredfield2102]

@@3ftDeepChannel Thanks, sorry for all my questions. I'm way more comfortable working on my 96xp's, but got myself into this one trying to help out. Kinda wishing I hadn't now. Anyhow, I already removed the intake manifold and valve cover and would like to move the crank to TDC to prepare for head removal. Is there any other way besides pulling the pump and using a "driveshaft adapter tool" to rotate the crank? I'm guessing because I have unplugged so many things, I can't even get the beep beep to get it into IBR maintenance mode.

[@justingagnon6298]

Im replacing a head gasket right now in mine. Can you make a short video with the timing tools and marks?

[@3ftDeepChannel]

We've done that a few times. Please check out the one where the supercharger failed. It's a 4-part series.

[@benschroeder1161]

Keep commenting on all your videos but I watch them a dozen times each before hand lol. I don’t have a super charged ski just NA. How do I rotate the crank so I can insert the camshaft locking tool?

[@3ftDeepChannel]

We have a couple of videos where we do that. I believe part 4 of the supercharger failure video is one example. Good luck.

[@davidvucina732]

Hello, i watched you over 2 years ago, if i would like to learn how to service jet ski from the ground up what would i have to do ?

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Well, that’s what our KZbin channel is all about. I would start easy like basic services oil changes, etc. and then get more complicated as you learn more and your tool set gets bigger. Good luck, and feel free to ask questions in the comments section of these videos!

[@michaelkelley4421]

Cool digital torque wrench, can you provide model, make, where I can buy one.

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Sure, you can find them on our website at 3ftdeepsports.com.

[@tctruck52]

So the whole issue with this was a warped head and possible undetermined gasket failure. I completely rebuilt my 2006 RXP 215 and now I have zero compression in all three cylinders with oil leak while cranking. For the life of me, I can't think where I went wrong. So I'm thinking about pulling it back apart, machining the head and new gasket. Maybe I got the wrong head gasket? Thoughts on where failures can be made while reassembly?

[@3ftDeepChannel]

That’s terrible. Are you sure your valves are working properly? Did you double-check the timing marks/setup? Where is the oil leaking out of?

[@tctruck52]

@@3ftDeepChannel So I think the gasket maker I used sucked for mating the upper and lower engine halves together and that's where the oil leak was. I mistimed the engine not using the crankshaft and camshaft pins, I don't know why. Also, I put the pistons in 180 degrees off with the arrows facing the intake side. So the first time I cranked the engine, it bent all 6 exhaust valves and broke the rocker arms. I'm an idiot and can't believe I did that. I will have all my parts tomorrow and have it back together this week. I've learned a ton, that is for sure! Thanks for the awesome youtube channel!

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Hey, those sort of things happen. I bet you won’t make those mistakes again! Keep on wrenching…

[@tommeyer4108]

Got my head off my 1503 I want to have it re surfaced. Do you have to use a thicker head gasket, or do you know the max it can be surfaced before issues?

[@3ftDeepChannel]

I don't know how much you can remove before running into clearance problems I think there are some recessed spots in the head surface as long as these are still visible after resurfacing the head is good, can't remember where I read that. Every time I have had a head resurfaced I have asked the machine shop to take off the minimum needed to achieve a flat surface I always use an oem head gasket with new head bolts, if you want to go one step better get some ARP head studs instead of the oem head bolts. If a thicker head gasket would make you feel better Cometic make them in different sizes.

[@MadFat20022002]

Hello friends! How much does this kind of repair work cost in US?!

[@3ftDeepChannel]

How long is a piece of string? It really depends on the dealer, but you can expect to pay about $100 per hour while they’re figuring things out. Any time they’re taking apart your engine though, you’re looking at hundreds or thousands of dollars.

[@IHadToMakeThisAccount]

What good is machining the head flat if you don’t do the block, in the Subaru world that can buy you maybe 5000 miles best case scenario.

[@3ftDeepChannel]

We only do what's necessary, to minimize expense. Thanks for your comment.

[@justinanderson181]

Previous owner of my Impreza tried to cheap out on not resurfacing heads after the sohc ej25 decided it wanted to introduce oil and coolant to each other. Spent 2 days tearing the engine out and buying all the new parts like valve gaskets and new head bolts and 7000 miles later he has oil coolant soup on his dipstick. Second time around he got OEM MLS head gaskets from a WRX STI and put it in along with making sure to get a head job done at a local shop. Lesson learned was do it right the first time

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Thanks for the tip, Justin.

[@mattyosborne1453]

Good thing this isn't a Subaru 🤣

[@keving1774]

Boost by the super charger is not worth compression issues with the head gasket.

[@3ftDeepChannel]

It is a metal gasket you and normally seems to get the job done.

[@frankykei100]

Hello~the "TORX FLANGED SCREW M11 X 147" x8 pcs need how many lbfs? thx~

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Check out our supercharger failure video series from earlier. They have all the torques and other details. Good luck.

[@4barrl]

I've got a 2009 rxp-x 255 with 74 hours on it. just bought it, first ride, it blew the oil cap off, and dipstick out and oil everywhere. was definitely power surging while i was riding it as well. seems to be getting coolant in the base as well, whats the odds its a headgasket and what kind of cost would i be looking at to have a shop do the repair?

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Boy, that’s a tough one to answer over the Internet. There are certain things that need to be replaced when you pull your engine apart, including stretch bolts and gaskets. We usually tell people to budget between $2500 and $3000 CDN to do the job by guys like us. A dealer will probably charge an extra couple of thousand dollars on top of that. Keep us posted, and thanks for your comment.

[@4barrl]

@@3ftDeepChannel it’s beyond disappointing, I paid too much for the doo to begin with, and the owners knew it had this issue. I sure wish you were closer! I’d take it to you in a heart beat! I wouldn’t mind doing the head gasket I’m just worried there could be more issues than that

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Well, the good news is that if it is only the head gasket then it will be a fraction of my estimated cost. Whatever the cause, you’ve got to get that contaminated oil out of your engine as soon as possible, as it is highly corrosive to the internal components. Hopefully there is someone near by you that you can turn to for help and diagnosing the issue.

[@jakehallam7536]

What are the torque specs for the exhaust manifold bolts?

[@3ftDeepChannel]

You’ll need to find those from a Service Manual for your specific machine. For example, check out eManualOnline.com.

[@kylehoflinger1127]

Hey. What's the torque spec on the valve cover?. I have to do a valve cover gasket on my 2011 RXT-X and I can't find the torque spec.

[@3ftDeepChannel]

We torque to 80 inch pounds. Good luck.

[@kylehoflinger1127]

@@3ftDeepChannel thank you so much!. Had trouble finding that spec. Love the content by the way. Cheers!.

[@rileyarmstrong6694]

How many hours did u have when it happened

[@3ftDeepChannel]

It wasn't one of our machines, so we unfortunately we can't recall. I believe it was around 200 hours.

[@renerioux2644]

I have a 2019 GTR 230, and I was riding at 65mph yesterday. Then the ski slowly slowed down and stalled. It quickly restarted, but there was a lot of white smoke and oil in the water around me. There was also oil splatter in the hull on the port side. The white smoke smelled more like burning oil than like steam from over heating coolant. The oil splatter in the hull and the oil on the dip stick looks clean, not milky. Could a failed head gasket cause these symptoms, or something else?

[@3ftDeepChannel]

It sounds like something failed catastrophically. Not sure about a head gasket though, as the “oil” splatter is unusual. I’m wondering if it’s a carbon seal failure. Can it be water/carbon spray from the carbon seal? Check to see if the spray lines up with the seal. If not, I’d follow the path of the spray as a start. Keep us posted …and good luck!

[@chinomillonez629]

hey did you ever get to know what happened to the ski? i have a similar situation with my rxt 230 2019

[@renerioux2644]

@@chinomillonez629 No I haven’t been able to work on it yet. Winter came and I started snowboarding. Now that Summer is almost here, I might work on it this weekend. How about you? Did you figure out what was wrong with yours?

[@chinomillonez629]

@@renerioux2644 hey man! yes my engine got toasted, i believe a overheating issue and melted a piston. going back and forth with warranty they finally decided to put a new engine on it. is at the dealership now hoping to get it back by june

[@kamranansari6113]

Very nic sir .. sir i am surching job for this ... .. my qulifiaction is diploma in mechanical and .. i have working experience in bike show room ..

[@3ftDeepChannel]

We are not a dealership that employs people, but I’m sure if you went to your local dealership you might find some work in the shop. Good luck!

[@timdial372]

Day two of the Seadoo 2010 rxt 260 all the old gas out of the tank put new end seems like it don't want to take the gas properly I don't know what the problem is get

[@3ftDeepChannel]

It’s easy to say it’s your fuel pump, but I don’t see why rebuilding your engine would have any affect on that. You are sure that your fuel injectors are spraying properly?

[@timdial372]

@@3ftDeepChannel I put a brand new fuel pump in it's still hesitating I'm running out of options I don't know anything it could be caused me

[@3ftDeepChannel]

We haven't received any email with video attachment, yet. Will you be sending one?

[@SushiByTheSea]

How long did that job take?

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Not including the work we paid the machine shop to do, our work added up to about four hours.

[@KefirTView]

What type of coolant do you use or recommend?

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Prestone is always good. Just make sure you use the right one for your vehicle. Good luck.

[@AldyMartinBorges]

Cuanto torque para los tornillos de la tapa ?

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Los tornillos de la tapa de la culata obtienen un torque de 80 lbf.in. on a 1503 Rotax engine.

[@tinokamung846]

Hi, I have a 2018 GTX 230, my coolant reservoir is empty and the oil in the dipstick is milky. There was no liquid inside the hull, I do not know for sure where the coolant went. Do you think it could be a head gasket issue?

[@3ftDeepChannel]

That is the most likely culprit. The coolant appears to have gone into the oil. It could also enter the oil through a failure in the oil cooler, or the water pump. But it is extremely rare to see any of these failures in such a newer machine. Good luck.

[@tinokamung846]

@@3ftDeepChannel Thank you for replying! What would be symptoms of coolant in the oil? There's were no warning lights or errors codes on the computer. Also do you know what can cause a head gasket to get damaged? I did have an issue where rocks got stuck in the impeller and threw off the engine timing but that was fixed and the machine ran for about 10 hours with no issues. It was only the other day when it ran out of gas and then steam was coming out of the exhaust that the mechanic noticed the coolant problem

[@3ftDeepChannel]

A milky or milkshake appearance of the oil is a symptom of coolant intrusion. A code is not always thrown when this happens. Age normally causes the head gasket to degrade. Engine damage could also cause the leak. It is possible that you have a defective head gasket, but that is very rare. Is it possible that anyone took apart your engine at some point, and did not torque the head bolts down properly? That could also cause the issue.

[@tinokamung846]

@@3ftDeepChannel Now that you mentioned the head bolts, a mechanic did take the engine apart and he told me I need new bolts, probably the head bolts. He still have me the machine and I ran it and he said he'd change them after. Another mechanic suggested that the milky oil is from water entering the exhaust while towing and that the coolant loss is a result of draining and refilling the reservoir to do engine work

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Well, that would explain it. Those head bolts are very important part of your engine. If new ones are not used when the engine is taken apart and they are not torqued properly, then this problem can result. Before you do anything else, we suggest you have your engine reassembled properly. Good luck.

[@rennanazevedo3437]

Video about fixing problems on yamaha jetskis ?

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Only one series, after the cylinder head cracked. Sorry, but we just work on our own machines (Sea-Doos), or machines that friends ask us to fix.

[@rennanazevedo3437]

@@3ftDeepChannel Thanks. Can you tell me which brand has the least problems with entry jetskis? Yamaha or Sea doo (2008 - 2015)

[@3ftDeepChannel]

For entry-level machines, they are all very good. I would stay away from supercharged or intercooled models, though if you want to minimize problems. If I was looking for my first ski, I would stick with Sea-Doo. Good luck.

[@chrisn5392]

Where are you guys located ?

[@3ftDeepChannel]

White Rock, BC, Canada.

[@juancarlosburgos7197]

Hello, I have seen your videos as they are some of the best for amateurs like me. I have a 2009 GTX IS 255 that I bought "dead" with electrical issues. I finally got all the issues out and when I went to the lake it overheats around 20-25 mins. The coolant is boiling and the error I get most of the time is error code P0217 (High Engine Coolant Temperature Detected). I changed the two temp sensors, and thermostat. Still overheats. I have been reading and some people recommend replacing the head gasket because it could be damaged. Any suggestions? Thank you again for the videos!

[@3ftDeepChannel]

First I need to ask, do you live in a place with a very warm lake and very high air temperature?

[@3ftDeepChannel]

My second question is have you checked to make absolutely sure there is nothing impeding the flow of water through your pump or out of the exhaust?

[@juancarlosburgos7197]

@@3ftDeepChannel Thank you! I live in Orlando Fl. I also have an 2008 RPX-X 255 and I ride it in the same lake. The RPX-X has never given me a problem with overheating.

[@juancarlosburgos7197]

I have checked the following: Intercooler (replaced because it was leaking), riding plate was checked and water flowed through it freely. I checked the flow of water on the exhaust and it seemed fine. But I do not know how thoroughly check the flow of water from the pump and exhaust. Thanks again!

[@3ftDeepChannel]

I don’t think it’s the problem, but just to be sure make sure there is no milky appearance in your oil, or any flakes or visible signs of oil in your coolant.

[@shwing0247]

I just bought a 2013 Seadoo RXTX 260. While i was test driving it, it appeared to have surging issue. There were parts of the lake that were shallow and I hit a sand bar. The owner swore that there was nothing wrong with it. Thinking that the shallow lake caused the surging issue, i bought it. I took it out for the first time today at a well known lake. Surging issue persisted. Eventually, it got worse where the engine started shaking and it would not go past 20mph. I went home and pulled the spark plugs. The 2nd cylinder has oil in it and the oil now has water. It is creamy coffee looking. The reservoir did not have any oil residue and was halfway between low and max, so I'm not sure if the water came from the antifreeze. Is this a head gasket problem? Could sucking in sand or mud cause this damage? What would cause the head gasket to go bad? How can I prevent it from going bad again?

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Hello Kevin, Sorry to hear of your problem; there are a number of possible issues, including the head gasket. Most likely there's a leak in your intercooler and it's taking in water. I would check that out first. There are a couple of videos that can help with this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJO5d2unfd-ej68 and kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIPMp2lsdtJjj9E are places to start. Good luck and keep us posted!

[@shwing0247]

@@3ftDeepChannel I think I found the issue. The ski didnt come with drain plugs. So I bought and installed them. I also plugged the flush port since I've seen a gtx model with them. Based on my research, they are supposed to be left open. Therefore, the water have no where to drain and got into the engine. I had it on for 15-20 mins. Will that cause any damage? Besides flushing the oil, what else would need to be done? Cylinder 2 have water in it. How do I get it out? I removed the spark plugs and cranked it but it still is wet.

[@3ftDeepChannel]

You’ll need to get the water out of your engine immediately to minimize the damage. It will start corroding your engine immediately, so the quicker you get it out, the better. Most people figure it starts causing serious damage after a few days, especially if it is salt water. As long as you don’t hydrolock your cylinder, you should be okay. They process is to run the engine in “drown mode” with your spark plugs out to shoot out any water. It will clear most of the water out in 10 seconds or so. The rest of it will evacuate when it’s running. You should also change your oil at least 2 times and until there is no milkiness in the oil. If you can get hold of a Service Manual for your machine, it will have the proper process for getting the oil out, but in a pinch the suggestions we just gave should work, but do it right away. Good luck!

[@shwing0247]

@@3ftDeepChannel Thank you so much for your response. You're doing a great service for the community. I've replaced the oil and spark plugs. Started it and let it run for 2 mins. I checked the oil and it is still milky. Do I replace oil immediately again or let it run in the water for longer then replace? Also, I notice there is water droplets in the air intake hose of supercharger (not intercooler). Engine will barely rev to 4000 rpm out of water.

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Thanks for the kind words. We suggest getting the cheapest oil you can find (that’s suitable for the machine) and flushing ASAP as many times as required until it’s no longer milky. If the milk keeps forming, then it’s probably your intercooler. That could explain your low RPMs. When you no longer see water in the oil, change it one last time with the proper oil. I know it’s costly, but you’ve got to get the water out of the oil.

[@jordigrau3625]

Nice video. Do you have any patreon ?

[@3ftDeepChannel]

No. All free content. Thanks for asking, though.

[@samooyseadoo]

How much you torque head bolt??

[@3ftDeepChannel]

This video series should answer your question: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4jTqXRomal7pc0

[@samooyseadoo]

Thanx 🌹

[@DennisSwanson517]

Why not use arp head studs it’s not much more expensive than the stretch bolts and they are reusable.

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Those are fine. We’ve used them before. We usually like OEM stuff, whenever we can afford it.

[@DennisSwanson517]

Can I ask why you prefer the oem stuff. I recently rebuilt my 185 and used arp for everything and I have right around 15 hrs on it with no issues

[@3ftDeepChannel]

OEM is always good because it was designed specifically for their machines. ARP are at least as good, though. I’m sure you’ll have many great hours on it.

[@DennisSwanson517]

Well I want to personally thank you because of your videos on the supercharger failure I was able to put it back together and it run good. And I did put super tech valves in the exhaust I left the intake ones. Thanks again for all the help

[@3ftDeepChannel]

you’re welcome. Glad to hear you’re doing it on your own and saving money!

[@T-K---]

very nice !

[@Bmxjoe26]

90% chance that gasket was fine. The oil from the tube can cause intermittent misfire under loads. That will cause surging. 10 minutes some new tunes and a water test could have saved some time and money.

[@3ftDeepChannel]

What tube are you referring to? The spark plug pipe?

[@victorstephenson4591]

How do explain the gurgling in the cooling system?

[@3ftDeepChannel]

The gurgling comes from air in the cooling system.

[@Bmxjoe26]

Yes we the spark plug tubes are a terrible design and are a common culprit for oil leaks onto the plug/coil causing intermittent misfire or loss of RPM they have been redesigned and and still suck. @@3ftDeepChannel

[@andrewmccafferty1126]

I feel like a new gasket was in order after seeing all that crud in the coolant reservoir

[@Ziad.mofosikl]

انا معجب في تقنيت العمل عندكم انا من سوريا وعيش في مصر وعندي ورشة صيانت درجات نارية واحلم اعمل مع خبراء مثلكم

[@3ftDeepChannel]

شكرا ل كلماتك اللطيفة. نتمنى لك النجاح في عملك.

[@Ziad.mofosikl]

@@3ftDeepChannel شكرا على الرد الجميل واتمنا لكم التوفيق

[@kiingmccoy6383]

Hey i need help i got a little coolant in only one of the cylinders what do you think it is

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Yikes, it sounds like a failing head gasket.

[@kiingmccoy6383]

@@3ftDeepChannel thanksss

[@kiingmccoy6383]

What about coolant in one cylinder with melted spark plug

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Do you see any oil or dark flakes in the coolant reservoir?

[@kiingmccoy6383]

@@3ftDeepChannel no

[@timdial372]

I'm having fuel problems I rebuilt the motor and it is not taking the gas like you should could you give me any tips what it could be or how could I get up with you to check it out check engine light is on also I just need some help

[@3ftDeepChannel]

You may have damaged a fuel injector when you removed the rail. Where are you located?

[@timdial372]

I've cleaned injectors with power same to be spraying and clicking just fine as normal as any other tips that might be the problem

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Are you absolutely sure your spark plugs are OK? I don’t see any other way your engine rebuild would be creating an issue. Please check for codes and let me know what you find. If the engine light is on, there must be a code. Your owners manual should be able to help you look for codes.

[@timdial372]

I'm going to change the plugs and see if that makes a difference.. the ski has been sitting about 4 years and don't have any code on it... I carried it to the local dealer the only thing he said that IBR brake system was causing the engine light to come on but it has a solid beep.. before starting what could that be?

[@3ftDeepChannel]

That long beep is just a generic trouble sound. It may also have a problem reading the key. But that shouldn’t result from doing work on your engine. Anyway you could video the issues and send it to our email listed on her channel? That would help. If you do, Make sure you film the gauge cluster when you start it up.

[@PaceandPower]

Hi there

[@3ftDeepChannel]

Hello!

[@derargentinier8879]

minuto 0:31 que es lo que le causa tanta gracia yo estaria llorando jajaja

[@3ftDeepChannel]

¡Sí, no es bueno!