Troubleshooting Engine Issues

RWCs operated by SLSA are all fitted with Electronic Engine Management Systems that have alerts/codes/warning indicators that will show on the craft instrument display.

Depending on the fault, there may be an audible warning ‘beeping’, engine warning light or indication, that will potentially cause the craft to shut down or result in the craft going into ‘limp mode’ or a restricted power mode.

There many reasons for the RWC being disabled. The Operator, as part of the craft induction, should be made aware of how the engine management system monitors the RWC systems and presents information to the Operator.

It is essential for the Operator to comprehend the failure modes, and the information provided to avoid damaging the craft or causing harm to themselves and others, especially if an RWC becomes disabled during operation.

Understanding the failure and potential causes will assist the Operator in making decisions around continuing operation of the craft or returning to shore, and what assistance is required.

The below chart, while not exhaustive, is a summary of typical faults that an Operator may be presented with, when both preparing the craft for operations or while operating the RWC.

Operators are to follow local operating procedures for both reporting and fault rectification.

Engine Does Not Start – Starter Motor Does Not Turn Over

Issue Possible Cause Remedy
RWC security system Lock mode selected as applicable to model Select unlock mode
Engine shut off/kill switch Lanyard not in place Insert lanyard/key
Fuse Burned out/blown Have serviced by an authorised repairer
Battery Run down/flat Recharge
Battery Poor terminal connections Tighten as required
Battery Terminal corroded Clean/replace
Battery Faulty Replace/have replaced by an authorised repairer
Sensor Faulty Have replaced by an authorised repairer
Seized Jet Pump Damaged/blockage/fouled by Rope or ingestion of object Inspect/clean/remove obstruction, have replaced by an authorised repairer

Engine Does Not Start – Starter Motor Turns Over

Issue Possible Cause Remedy
Throttle lever Depressed Release
Trottle lever Faulty Have serviced by an authorised repairer
Ride lever Depressed Release
Ride lever Faulty Have serviced by an authorised repairer
Fuel Fuel tank empty Refill
Fuel Stale or contaminated Have serviced by an authorised repairer
Fuel tank Water or dirt Present Have serviced by an authorised repairer
Spark plug Fouled or defective Have serviced by an authorised repairer
Fuel injection system Fuel pump faulty Have serviced by an authorised repairer
Fuel injection system Dirty or clogged injectors Have serviced by an authorised repairer
Ignition system Faulty ignition coils Have serviced by an authorised repairer
Water – flooded engine Water ingestion via intake Have serviced by an authorised repairer

Engine Runs Irregularly or Stalls

Issue Possible Cause Remedy
Fuel Fuel tank empty Refill
Fuel Stale or contaminated Have serviced by an authorised repairer
Fuel Tank Water or dirt present Have serviced by an authorised repairer
Spark plug Fouled or defective Have serviced by an authorised repairer
Spark plug Incorrect heat range Have serviced by an authorised repairer
Spark plug Gap incorrect Have serviced by an authorised repairer
Electrical wiring Loose connection Have serviced by an authorised repairer
Fuel injection system Faulty or clogged injectors Have serviced by an authorised repairer
Fuel injection system Faulty ignition coils Have serviced by an authorised repairer
Engine management system fault detected Check engine indication illuminated Have serviced by an authorised repairer

Warning is Displayed/ Audible Alarm (Beeping)

Issue Possible Cause Remedy
Fuel level warning Fuel tank low Refill
Oil pressure warning Oil pressure is low Have serviced by an authorised repairer
Engine overheat warning Intake clogged Clear
Engine overheat warning Coolant levels low (as applicable to model) Refill/investigate loss of fluid
Engine overheat warning Clogged exhaust system Flush system/have serviced by an authorised repairer
Engine overheat warning Engine coolant too low Refill/investigate loss of fluid/have serviced by an authorised repairer
Engine overheat warning For BRP – leaving the quick connect adapter fitted to the flushing connector can cause a restriction in water flow causing overheating Remove adaptor and retest/have serviced by an authorised repairer is overheating persists
Check engine light illuminated Faulty sensor Have serviced by an authorised repairer
Check engine light illumination Engine management system fault detected Have serviced by an authorised repairer
Trim / IBR mode error (as applicable to model) Reverse bucket obstructed Clear obstruction
Trim / IBR mode error (as applicable to model) Trim actuator defective (applicable to make and model) Have serviced by an authorised repairer
Trim / IBR mode error (as applicable to model) Trim sensor faulty (applicable to make and model Have serviced by an authorised repairer

Engine Smoke

Issue Possible Cause Remedy
Oil Oil level too high Check and adjust/have Service by an authorised repairer
Oil Water ingestion/coolant leak or damaged cylinder head gasket Have serviced by an authorised repairer
Oil Internal engine damage Have serviced by an authorised repairer

Engine Lacks Acceleration/Power

Issue Possible Cause Remedy
Key/lanyard Incorrect Key i.e. learning key (as applicable to model) Select normal key (BRP)
Performance mode System set to learners mode (as applicable to model) Select mode (Yamaha)
Performance mode Not in sports mode Select sports mode (BRP)
Performance mode Incorrect mode selected (applicable to make and model Select correct mode
Performance mode RWC has entered into limp mode Have serviced by an authorised repairer
Jet pump Intake clogged Clear
Jet pump Worn Have serviced by an authorised repairer
Spark plug Fouled or defective Have serviced by an authorised repairer
Spark plug Incorrect heat range Have serviced by an authorised repairer
Spark plug Gap incorrect Have serviced by an authorised repairer
Electrical wiring Loose connection Have serviced by an authorised repairer
Fuel/fuel injection system Faulty or clogged injectors Have serviced by an authorised repairer
Fuel/fuel injection system Faulty ignition coils Have serviced by an authorised repairer
Fuel/fuel injection system Low fuel pressure Have serviced by an authorised repairer
Fuel/fuel injection system Water in fuel Drain/have serviced by an authorised repairer
Engine management system fault detected Check engine indication illuminated Have serviced by an authorised repairer
Engine oil level Engine oil level too high Have serviced by an authorised repairer
Ingestion of water Engine internal damage Have serviced by an authorised repairer

Noise from Propulsion System

Issue Possible Cause Remedy
Impeller Weed/debris around impeller Clean
Impeller Water in hullDamaged impeller or drive shaft Have serviced by an authorised repairer
Impeller Water in hullWater intrusion in jet pump bearings Have serviced by an authorised repairer

Water in Hull

Issue Possible Cause Remedy
Water in hull Bilge pump system malfunction Inspect/have replaced by an authorised repairer
Water in hull Exhaust leak Inspect/have replaced by an authorised repairer
Water in hull Hose / clamp / seal failure Inspect/have replaced by an authorised repairer
Water in hull Drive shaft seal failure Inspect/have replaced by an authorised repairer
Water in hull Hull and/or deck seal displaced/fasteners loose missing/damage to hull/hatch leaking Inspect/have replaced by an authorised repairer