JS550 starting problems

[Chad Gnarly]

i bought an 85 js 550 that supposedly ran last year and all it needed was a new starter. i can get it to run and 15 seconds after i get it started i turn on the water and then it shuts off. and then it takes me a bit to get it started again and then turn on the water and same thing. when it is running there is thick white exhaust smoke. any thoughts or advice would be great. thanks

[seaobin]

Need more info:

how much water were you running through the hose? should be a little bit more than a trickle. Too much water pressure will back fill the exhaust into the cylinders


New/Old Gas
Compression
How do plugs look
Is there air or water in the seperator

If it were mine:

Check Compression
Replace Plugs
Clean Carbs
Replace Fuel
Replace Fuel lines if not done already
Check Ground to engine (make sure it is not corroded) make sure it does not get hot while running
Pull the head off and look at pistons--look for water intrusion across the head gasket