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I have this 91 5850 XP that a buddy gave me. It has sat for 5 years in a field, not winterized properly. I recently got it running, new battery, plugs, cleaned all the filters. I put it in the water 2 times and it ran great for the first 10 minutes and then cut off. I would try to restart it and it crank good but not start back up. The water level inside the engine compartment was level with the engine mount plate. When I get the machine on the trailer out of the water, drain the water out of the engine compartment and let it sit for 1 hour or so, it will start right up. Anyone have any ideas why the machine will only run in the water for only 10 minutes and what do I need to do to fix this issue so I can enjoy riding this for a few hours at a time?

kelly boyle, June 2008

Hi Kelly. Before doing anything , I would check compression. I see a lot of the older two strokes with worn/damaged motors and it's no use doing much of anything until you make sure that the top end is in good shape. Compression should be a minimum of 130 lbs. and be even on both cylinders.
There are a number of reasons that could cause it to stop running the way you describe. Have you checked for spark when it stops running? Take a couple of extra plugs with you and and check for spark next time it quits.
You mention that it sat for 5 years without being winterized. This is probably where the problem lies. It's very common to see carb problems on watercraft that haven't been winterized for 1 year. After sitting for 5 years , I would expect to find the carbs very gummed up and maybe some bad diaphragms. etc.. This would be a job for an experienced mechanic, as the carbs would need to be completely disassembled, cleaned and pressure tested.
Could be other problems also, but that's my 2 cents. Good luck!

onemadmonkey, July 2008