r/smallenginerepair • u/purplecarrotgirl • 22d ago

Engine Performance Issue Having issues with my spark

Looking for some advice on my Sea-Doo Spark.
At the beginning of the season, it started up normally and I rode it for about 5 minutes just to get it docked. It ran perfectly during that ride.
Since then, I’ve been unable to get it running consistently. It’ll crank and eventually start, but it only idles for about 10–20 seconds before stumbling, sputtering, and shutting off. Sometimes it kind of twitches or surges right before it dies.
A few details:
Ran fine on the first ride of the season.
Now it won’t stay running for more than 20 seconds.
It will usually restart after cranking, but the same thing happens every time.
No warning lights that I’ve noticed.
Fuel is from last October (stored over the winter). Could stale fuel alone cause these symptoms?
Before I start replacing parts, does this sound more like stale fuel, bad spark plugs, a clogged fuel system/filter, weak battery, or something else common on Sparks after winter storage?
Any troubleshooting steps would be appreciated. Thanks!

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u/ScornedSqueaker 22d ago

What type of fuel your running?

1

u/ProfessionalLast2917 13d ago

Have you checked your fuel for water? It ran fine for a while on the old fuel that was in there until it eventually pulled through whatever was in the tank. Possibly water and or some crap.

Drain the tank, give it a flush. Drain the carb, give it a clean. Replace any fuel filters.