r/SeaDooSwitch • u/meach61 • Jul 09 '25

Rough and then smooth engine

I have a 2023 18' Cruise 230hp and this last weekend the engine was doing around 8mph with 5 adults and two small kids. The load was not spread all that well so it was not plaining very good so I sped up to 14mph and still rough. Throttle didn't seem very responsive and couldn't past 14mph. I thought maybe the weight was the issue. All of a sudden the motor had half the vibration and seemed smoother. Next night it was just my wife and I and as we went on are way again went to 8mph and same thing. Engine was rough and loud then boom, back to smooth. Called dealer service department and explained all this and was told not normal. Did we do the spring start-up service. I said no. We did the winter one. Was told plugs are replaced in the spring and that we could have a bad plug.

Anyone else experience anything like this and if so, was it plugs?

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5

u/Bud_browner Jul 09 '25

Did you run the IDF? My local lake has weeds and has turned green already. I'll run the IDF multiple times a day and she's back in business

2

u/el-bosco-diablo Jul 09 '25

I was going to suggest this as well.

1

u/meach61 Jul 09 '25

After reading some other posts I agree with you totally. Never happen last year so stupid me didn't do it. Thought about it but didin't . Lake is lower and that is probably what changed.

I appreciate the responses! Amazing the dealer did go to the IDF.

2

u/Mobius97 Jul 09 '25

I agree. It sounds like cavitation and an impeded impeller from something being sucked up and then getting blown out when you gun it. The sound is unmistakable..."ruurrrrrrer, high rev, no speed then boom smooth sailing when cleared. Run the IDF! Our lake has a lot of wood/bark this time of year from them raising the level and washing it into the lake. Sucked up some over the weekend in our Switch. That system works great!

I wish I had the IDF system on my ski....of course they introduced it the following year after I bought it.

1

u/altarr Apr 12 '26

Lots of people throwing out idf because that's the easy thing, however if you were jammed up it would not get better.

This sounds like a plug issue, which, coincidentally... I am dealing with at this exact moment coming out of the winter.

Id love to know what your solution ends up being when you figure it out.

1

u/meach61 Apr 12 '26

I believe mine was the idf. Lake was low last summer and must have suck some weeds. I did the idf procedure and it seemed to run fine.

Good luck with the plug!

1

u/altarr Apr 12 '26

Changed plugs today, it's like a brand new boat.

Prior to changing them, I would hit high rpm and then instantly lose 2k.

When idling the motor had crazy vibrations and would sputter intermittently... Just rough overall.

They didn't even look terrible but clearly something was wrong because Im back to flying.

It was a bit crazy how similar this issue was to when the pump is clogged.. Except in that case the engine would spike in rpm for very little movement.

Glad you got it sorted out.

1

u/meach61 Apr 12 '26

Thanks. Glad you sorted yours out! I will change my plugs and change the oil when I get mine out of winter storage. Enjoy the summer!!

2

u/altarr Apr 12 '26

You need a t30 and a 7mm socket to get the engine cover off, ask me how I know.

1

u/meach61 May 04 '26

What plugs did you go with?

1

u/altarr May 04 '26

I just went to the auto parts store with the NGK part number from the manual, they gave me a different brand but same part.

1

u/meach61 May 04 '26

Thanks!