i recently bought 2 1996 polaris 780 slt's and not knowing anything about jet skis, i put mixed fuel in the tanks. well when i put them into the lake, one started up and ran perfect, the other one started up and ran good for about 2 minutes then abruptly died. i couldnt get it to start and knowing that they had been sitting for 6 months figured it was a dead batterie, so i jumped it and ran it wid eopen for about 30 minutes. well all of a sudden, it died on me while idleing. i started it back up no problem, then it would only go about 20 mph. and when i let off of the throttle for about 10 seconds, it would die out. eventually i couldnt even get it to start. i figured it just needed new spark plugs. so when i got home i changed the plugs and cleaned the fuel filters and drained the tanks. the bad ski started up no problem. when i put them in the lake the bad one had a very hard time starting and when it finally did start, it would not go over 20 mph and rpms would not go over 4000.i took them home and pulled the plugs and the center plug was wet, when i would crank it in the driveway with water running through it, it would smoke really bad and i noticed a loud metal clanking sound coming from the engine but louder underneath the ski. i checked the impeller and it looks fine with the right amount of play in it. i had a shade tree mechanic come look at it and he says that it may be the carbs.i do not know what it could be, any help would be greatly appreciated. you can call me at 321-263-5050 or email me at sirpatrick268@earthlink.net. thank you all in advance.


