SEA-DOO GTX 4-TEC running rough - DIY spark plug change

[@edlong6629]

Awesome video; thanks for posting. I have the same engine in a Scarab 195G (200HP Supercharged) and I had to turn the 5/8" sparkplug wrench down just a touch on the lathe to get it to slide down the tube. Seriously, it was so great to find someone with basic instructions in plain english. I am a follower now.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Glad it helped! We appreciate you watching, leaving a comment, and subscribing to the channel!

[@robevenson6692]

A quick note of appreciation. Came across this video a couple weeks back and it was hugely beneficial. Changed the spark plugs on our 2004 GTX this weekend and it made a huge difference. The step by step video was great. Thanks Chad.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Glad it helped!

[@chuckgoldman3979]

I just drained about 6 gallons of gas last night. If that doesn't fix the problem, the plugs will be next. I did add 3 ounces of Lucas gas treatment and new Non ethanol Premium for this 185HP supercharged. Great post sir! The river looks beautiful.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Keep us posted! I'm curious if the new fuel fixes your issue. The plugs made a massive difference for us.

[@chuckgoldman3979]

@@PurpleCollarLife Hey It turned out to be the plugs and I wish I'd started with them before draining the fuel. We backed into the water, not leaving the trailer and it was still running bad. Pulled the plugs and the #2 and #3 plugs were the problem. Replaced the plugs and it ran perfectly!!

[@botabob]

Good day - I never road a PWC - But, when I lived in Idaho, my neighbor had one. One day I saw him working on his machine so I thought I would see what he was doing. I walked over and he was trying to start the machine - he had a garden hose attached to the jet pump and water was coming out of it but the machine would not start - I had some experience working on a boat with a 454 Chevy big block and recalled the engine was cooled by pumping the water from the water jacket into the exhaust headers and then out the back of the boat - It looked like the PWC functioned the same way. I suggested he turn off the water as I suspected the water had backed up in the exhaust and into the engine (two-stroke) - I asked him to remove the spark plugs and sure enough the plugs were soaking wet with water - he didn’t have an air compressor so I suggested WD40 (water displacement) - we turned the engine over without the plugs and sprayed the plugs with WD40 - It tried to start but was flooded again my the water in the exhaust - we repeated the process several more times - finally the engine fired and the garden hose was turned back on to cool the engine and jet pump - I think I earned a little respect from my neighbor that day and saved their weekend - thanks for the video - have fun on the river and be cautious of the low head dams - Enjoy the journey - cheers

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks for sharing the story! Nice idea literally help with a flooded engine. :).

[@chuckgoldman3979]

Not many ppl know that the WD stands for. The 40 stands for the number of times it took to come up with this solution. Great Idea you had using WD40 in this situation. You have my respect for sure LOL

[@SouthMississippiSalt]

Man I’m glad I stumbled upon this video !!!!!!! Was about to pull the inter cooler out and pressure test it. Mine was doing the same exact thing. Wouldn’t get over 5400 rpm and 36mph. (Just got it in a package deal). Changed spark plugs and it’s hitting 7800 and 61mph with my daughter on it.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Great to hear! I wasn't aware how the plugs really influence the performance on these 4-tec engines until I had my first Sea Doo with this powerplant. It's amazing what a fresh set of plugs will do! I'm glad the video was helpful. Thanks for leaving a comment. If you haven't already, we would really appreciate if you'd consider subscribing. Every comment, like, and subscriber helps our small channel grow. :)

[@stevenv2190]

Got a 2004 NA GTX, myself. Going to replace the spark plug tubes and valve cover gasket. Leaking oil in the tubes. Still going strong after 19 years.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks for sharing! I’ve had the supercharged version before. While I did have a LOT of power and pep, I prefer the naturally aspirated version because of the ease of use and maintenance.

[@stctjc]

Definitely one of the better videos on how to change the spark plugs. Glad I saw the situation with the top of the plug, that would have messed me up. I'm going to change my plugs tonight on my 2004 GTX 4-Tec because it was running sluggish last weekend and it had been sitting since last summer. Hopefully that fixes my issue.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Glad you liked it! Keep us posted! I have read that changing out the plugs is necessary once or twice a year typically. Those GTX 4-tec engines really are picky about plugs!

[@stctjc]

@@PurpleCollarLife I was able to replace my spark plugs tonight in both my RTX and GTX in less than an hour which was fast for me. Do you have any concerns about applying the dielectric grease the way you did and it getting on the metal end of the spark plug? Thanks.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

@@stctjc great job!! I was careful where I applied it, but I’ve also seen it put directly on connectors.

[@watershedoverlook]

Nice job Chad. My sons bought a pair of 1997 GTX's and they could never get them running well at the same time. I've worked on lots of outboards and inboards but never PWC motors so I wasn't a ton of help. After two years they threw in the towel and sold them. They managed to just about break even, so in boating I call that a win!

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Always good if you can get some fun out of something and then sell it to brake even. They are pretty tricky little motors. And there isn’t a whole lot of space to move around in there unless you pull the engine out. Inboards are so nice to work on - just tip that clam shell all the way back and it’s like you’ve got full access to both sides of the engine.

[@boandjill]

I change my plugs every 50 hours and ride year round in FL. So, that means at least 1-2 times per year. Before I pull the plugs, I use compressed air to blow out any debris in the spark plug tubes to prevent it from dropping into the engine. I also use the ignition coils to assist in removing/replacing the plugs.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks for sharing! Good idea to blow out any debris. I’d love to put 50 hours on the Sea Doo this summer! So far I’m at about 10 for the summer. It’s such a fun machine. So much more maneuverable than the boat - and easier to load/unload.

[@davidr9651]

I change mine every 200 hours, even if they still look like new

[@mia6755]

Great video. I have 2004 gtx sc and was confused about the tip of the plug staying in the coil. My plugs looked bad so I thought previous owner hadn't changed them in awhile so they got stuck in there. Now it makes sense.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Glad it helped! I was confused for a second when I couldn't get that spark plug boot down over the plug. I'm glad I thought to check for those screw on caps!

[@wattagec]

Great video. Critical point about removing the small steel caps on the spark plugs first.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks 👍 It took me a minute to figure that out.

[@davester32]

Thanks for the video. Helped a lot. Did it myself and it worked.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Great job! Thanks for watching and leaving a comment that the video was helpful. We always hope that there's value to the content we're creating (beyond just fun videos for our grandkids to watch some day.). :)

[@GAM-TIME]

Try using a magnetic spark plug socket as they work better than the foam insert kind.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks for the tip!

[@ambiori1]

Very good video good explanation 👍 i learn in issue i have after replacing my spark plug somehow the coils were setting down completely now i see tha i have to remove the tips of the spark plug

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Glad we could help!

[@rhysbourke620]

Good job on the vid mate 👍🏼

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks 👍

[@raggnar77]

Great video, thanks!

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Glad you liked it!

[@davida.p.9911]

Do you ever feel like James Bond riding around? 😄 Excellent video, thanks for sharing Chad!

[@PurpleCollarLife]

I do! I think I’ve put 10 hours on the jet ski in the last week. It’s a lot of fun and it feels great to be out on the water.

[@Z-Bart]

Hard to believe that new plugs made all that difference. The old ones looked good to me.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

They didn’t look to bad - but I’ve read that these GTX 4 stroke machines are really particular about the plugs. I’m not sure what causes it - but the brand new plugs have made a huge difference. I’m planning on replacing them at the start of every season.

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

Good evening Sir, very nice licenses plates collections on your garage wall Sir 👌👍🧐 Great sence of humor Sir ( muscular ! ) Probably done by the many potatoes pealing duties 🤣🤣👌👌 Cheers 🍻🍻

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks for watching!

[@benschroeder1161]

I have this exact same ski. Love it. Added speakers to it too. I have to change my plugs every year haha. Otherwise it runs like 💩

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Of all the combustion engines I've owned in vehicles, boats, machines - this SeaDoo is the MOST picky about a perfect spark plug. But like you say - a new set and it runs like new every time.

[@tonypurpura]

i wish they came out that easy, i have 2 of 3 stuck now , any ideas

[@ScoopdyWhoop]

You should always blow air in there before you remove the only one so dust falls in the engine

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Great tip! Thanks.

[@cubanh22]

NICEE VIDEO 👌👌 I GOT THE SAME SEADOO JETSKI SAME COLOR 😆👍

[@PurpleCollarLife]

It's a great machine!

[@cubanh22]

@@PurpleCollarLife mine doesn't get full rpm and it can't pass 43 mph ..I was checking and those run around 50 to 55 mph... do you know what could be the problem

[@PurpleCollarLife]

@@cubanh22 If you've already changed out the spark plugs and made sure your fuel was good - my next guess would be the wear ring needs replaced. Do you feel cavitation under initial throttle?

[@cubanh22]

@@PurpleCollarLife are you using premium fuel?? I WILL CHECK THIS WEEKEND....I just installed new plugs and coils....Im not sure but maybe could be a little cavitation ...this is my first jetski

[@PurpleCollarLife]

@@cubanh22 We use only Ethanol free gasoline. The Ethanol in regular pump gasoline isn't good for in boats - too much moisture accumulation and it can cause problems with the fuel system.

[@renatamorgan940]

What I think I noticed is u put the first blk cover back on and didn't show putting the dip stick in b4 the second blk cover. Am I wrong ? I did this 4 yrs ago but at 68 I forget a lot. Lol

[@PurpleCollarLife]

I think you put the first black cover on (that says 4-tec and just snaps on), and then the dip stick gets installed, then the 2nd black cover on that gets bolted on. The dip stick can't be put back in before that first black cover, because the cover wouldn't go over it. I hope this helps!

[@jefffrancis6824]

There is not a lot of clearance under that Toby bridge !!!

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Not at all. And when the water level is up due to rainfall, the clearance is even less! Thanks for watching.

[@chefgarrin]

I was told the caps on the plugs should be taken off for seadoos... any thoughts on that?

[@PurpleCollarLife]

That is correct. We show that in the video.

[@chefgarrin]

@@PurpleCollarLife darn I didn't see that

[@PurpleCollarLife]

@@chefgarrin No worries. We struggled getting the spark plug boot back on the plug until we discovered that the cap has to come off. :)

[@braydenlowe2024]

Hello can you please make a rural king store tour video?

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Hi Brayden - I'll check in with them in the coming months. I'm hoping they get more stock in of the tractors soon.

[@bigred1418]

GO BILLS!!!!!

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks! I've been a Bills fan since the 80s.

[@jayppop3333]

I never got the extra holder it says take to dealer yet you are supposed to carry around 3 extra with you lol

[@PurpleCollarLife]

That's how sensitive that 4-tec engine is! :)

[@nayefalkurahi3357]

so for the 2006 seadoo gti same thing ? no need to split the hull ?

[@benschroeder1161]

Should be the same process

[@marcinnarkiewicz3927]

155hp or 215hp

[@PurpleCollarLife]

This is the 155 HP version. The 215 hp version is the supercharged version. Good question - thanks for having me clarify.

[@ktchet2933]

hey chad are you still on this thread?

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Yes. I only get notified about new comments though -not replies. So Make sure you leave a fresh comment if you want me to see it. Thanks!

[@febsat]

Well using anti-seize on NGK spark plugs is a definite 'DON'T DO IT'. Refer to the NGK website and they clearly explain why. You are not the only KZbinr to provide this wrong advice with respect to plug changes on a Sea-Doo, so don't feel put off. Old school thought was a tiny amount of anti-seize applied on the upper portion of the threads, but only on plugs which were being pulled out, gap checked and reinstalled. New plugs should never get anti-seize, as it will change the torque value among other problems.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

This is great information. Honestly, I didn't believe you. I've always been in the habit of putting anti-seize on plugs to make them easier to get back out years down the road. BUT upon checking the NGK site - you're 100% correct. They say don't use it with their plugs. Thanks for the tip!

[@febsat]

@@PurpleCollarLife You are most welcome. You have a great channel, keep it up. Cheers.

[@renatamorgan940]

Thanks for hiding the plug down so we can't see where u put the anti seize

[@PurpleCollarLife]

@@renatamorgan940 Sorry- the anti-seize goes on the threads of the spark plug.

[@SlayerHawkX]

Just have a telescope magnet..no needle nose players plz

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks.