I just bought a 2000 XLT1200 LTD. I've skied for over 5 years with a 701 waveraider deluxe. I'm at a lost how to begin finding what is wrong with my new one. It only tops out at 53....dissapointing. And the warning light/buzzer keeps coming on and the EXHST flashes.

From reading on here I assume it is the cat-con, so I figured I'd replace w/ d plate and sensor. Well I called a local shop and they tried telling me I don't have a cat-con. ???? lol

What should be my first step to trouble shoot?
It only has 39 hrs. The guy I got it from said he is the original owner, I asked that now that he's sold it...what's wrong with it and he said that he had gotten leaves in the hose(s) taken it to the yamaha dealer and they cleaned, etc and said it was fixed.

Please help boys

Where do you live ? What dealer did you take it to?

I live near Crystal River, Florida. I didn't take it physically to a dealer, I phoned our local Kawasaki/SeaDoo place and spoke with the mechanic after I had read on the message boards and it seemed that my problem was the cat-con.

You called the wrong guy!

well that's obvious...I know I have one

what I'm needing is recommendation on finding out what is wrong with my ski.

Well, the Kawi guy wouldn't know a thing about a cat-con in your ski. That engine (66V) is the only engine on the market with a cat-con.

You gotta call a yamaha guy.

Your symptoms are consistent with cat-con failure.
You might be able to pull the water box from the exhaust stinger and see peices of the cat there. Other wise, you have to remove the rear portion of the exhaust pipe to inspect the cat.

A major pain in the arse.

well atleast I now feel confident about what the problem is and that it's easily fixable.

I guess I'll proceed in ordering a D plate and temp sensor.

Is there anything else to replace when I remove the cat-con and replace with the d plate? such as gaskets, etc?

and what is the top speed my machine should be able to achieve stock?

Stock 57-59 mph

riva intake grate and solas 12/18 will get you to 60-62 mph

WaveEater Powervalve clips $60 waveeater

he has a comprehensive write up on the powervalves for that ski.

Not sure on the gasket thing, I haven't had to install a d-plate yet.

Well I just found out from the guy I bought it from (coincidentally my ski came from TN), a few wks ago was the last time he rode it. He experienced a diff problem than me, took it to a yamaha dealer and they said there were leaves in a hose, they said it happened all the time, cleaned it and said it worked fine. He then didn't drive again. I bought and it has this exhaust warning problem and will only go 53tops.

I'm starting to think that when the dealer cleaned the hose they problem messed up the cat-con (from reading other posts where this has happened)

I must say this is upsetting being I just bought it and it only had 39 hrs, loving yamaha like I do I really didn't expect to have problems....but I still love the ski. So I guess I'll jump in and tackle getting rid of the cat-con.

It just helps to hear others opinions that know the sport, being female I don't know many....lol.

I also recommend that you get Waveeater's powervalve clips.

I also recommend you do waveeater's clips & couplers for the power valves. Its a good reliability mod. I would also recommend the d-plate/sensor even if it turns out this is not your problem. These mods will reduce your chances of having engine problems...piece of mind and a reasonable cost.

As for first mods, I would say the pump plug kit (as with the gpr) will reduce cavitation. The rideplate & grate should give you a couple mph. Add the new impeller and you are at a Stage 1 less the head and free flow.

Ya'll do realize...I'm a girl...LOL. I appreciate all the recommendations for sure, I'm just not sure if I'm ready to take on it all by myself. But I'll give it a try for sure, I just don't want much "down time"..but on the positive side, atleast I have my old ski to ride

As for the last response....a bit over my head, I'm blonde also...LOL.

Get a service manuel.

I bet there is someone near you that would love to help a Yamahaa riding *blonde* female fix her ski... I know I would Is your ski still under warrenty? If not... I would try and find someone on the board to help you with the install. Good luck to ya! Clint

Skigirl, just what hose or hoses did these leave get into?? I dont see any way this is possiable.
2K2, lets get her back on the water then upgrade to the plug kit and prop later down the road.
Skigirl is this warning light that keeps going off your tempature warning light?
Mick

Jetskigirl,
Sounds like your cat-con is bad or sensor malfunction. You probably won't find a Yamaha Shop put a d-plate in for you because of EPA regulations plus they would like to sell you a new cat-con which cost about $650 for the part alone then tacking on labor charges. I'm sure Riva or other performance shops would install the D-plate for you. With you living in Florida, you should be able to find one close.
I have a 2001 GP1200R which I installed D-Plate and chip this past weekend. The hardest part for me was getting the pipe back in the tight area but can be done with patience and a little cussing.
Good luck and let us know how it works out!
Dave

It's an Exhaust Temperature Warning, apparently my exhaust system is getting too hot. What's weird is once it alarms, I stop and turn it off. But, last night right after I started it back up and headed to shore to load and it didn't come back on. I thought it was only coming on when I was full throttle but it did it last night twice out of the blue.

Female and blonde hugh? I say get a set of tools, the parts you want to change. Go to a boat launch, get parts and tools out, then give that confused look. I bet your parts get installed! You asked about gaskets when doing the d-plate. All you need is to go to auto parts store and get the copper coat spray. You spray the gasket that is in there, and you will be good to go!

Was just kidding above, no offense ment, GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!

if the cat comes apart it can get sucked into the engine ..yes even tho it's in the exhaust.

quit typing and start lookin for a friend, order the service manual, the d plate and tear that thing apart.

It will also run cooler. Use synthetic oil also.

just my two cents.

good luck...

hey...doesn't sound like a bad idea...joking


Love your calvin sticker on your ski....