1991 Seadoo SP Motor Replacement/Rebuild Options

[WhiskeyD]

I have a 91 SP that always ran great until it sat for 3 years. I wanted to get out on the lake this year so I cleaned it up, replaced the starter and battery and took it to the lake. It ran decent for about 30 minutes then started to cut out and bog down. Took it home and bought a compression gauge. It has 135 in the rear cyclinder and 60 in the front . Didn't really surprise me since this thing has a bajillion hours on it. So what would be my best option? I saw topend rebuild kits on ebay for $200 or so. I think I could pull off the topend rebuild but I dont feel like hassleing with the bottom end which I'm sure needs to be done on a 20yr old engine. I would love to put a 717 in it but I cant seem to find one with carbs and eveything for a decent price. I dont think its worth it to buy an engine from SBT for $500 + shippping and spend all that time swapping it when I can buy a 94-96 HX or XP on craigslist for $800-1200. I could prolly sell this hull for $300 to offset the cost but I would really hate to see it go after owning it for 10 years. What would you guys recommend I do?

 

[6KJR]

Pull the head off and see how bad it is. With a lot of hours it wouldnt hurt to do the bottom end too but your right, it will cost a lot. Not many options unless you can find a good running engine for a good price.

 

[Dr Honda]

With a 20 year old engine... you need to do a full rebuild. Bad crank seals could have been the reason that the engine let go.

OK... with that said... a new/rebuilt engine will cost more than the ski will be worth. It may be to your benefit to buy a newer ski... and part out that one. If you are going to keep it around for personal use, for a few years... then it may be worth the $600 to $700 to get a rebuilt engine. (SBT sells that engine for $500, but you will have $150 in shipping, and $50 in gaskets)

 

[B_PWC]

There is a 1991 SP in Gastonia, NC on craigslist for $300... oh wait that must be yours

The problem is you may be chasing problems for a long time and end up spending well more than it would be just to get a newer ski. I am on that path myself with two older skis. If all you think it would take is the front cylinder you can buy rings and hone the cylinder and hope for the best. But that would most likely be washing money down the drain. And if you still have the old fuel lines it will be a carb rebuild and new lines... more money.

 

[WhiskeyD]

There is a 1991 SP in Gastonia, NC on craigslist for $300... oh wait that must be yours

The problem is you may be chasing problems for a long time and end up spending well more than it would be just to get a newer ski. I am on that path myself with two oldr skis. If all you think it would take is the front cylinder you can buy rings and hone the cylinder and hope for the best. But that would most likely be washing money down the drain. And if you still have the old fuel lines it will be a carb rebuild and new lines... more money.

haha yeah that's it, think it's worth $300 like im asking? The hull is in great shape but it needs an engine and a new seat cover. I think fixing the rings could give it another season but the whole engine is going to need a rebuilt soon since it's so old. The ski actually has black lines. I guess the original owner replaced them years ago.

 

[WhiskeyD]

With a 20 year old engine... you need to do a full rebuild. Bad crank seals could have been the reason that the engine let go.

OK... with that said... a new/rebuilt engine will cost more than the ski will be worth. It may be to your benefit to buy a newer ski... and part out that one. If you are going to keep it around for personal use, for a few years... then it may be worth the $600 to $700 to get a rebuilt engine. (SBT sells that engine for $500, but you will have $150 in shipping, and $50 in gaskets)

Thanks for all the help! I'm going to either sell it for parts or buy a 717 which ever comes first. Buying a 96 XP sounds a lot more fun and less work tho

 

[B_PWC]

I think $300 is a fair price.... Good luck.