1997 Speedster Engine Failure

[staceyrides]

My port engine has failed and will either need to be rebuilt or replaced according to an experienced mechanic; he thinks the crank bearings are gone. The engine is the Rotax 717 and he suggested buying a short block rather than rebuilding the engine.

I have only had the boat three weeks and had noticed that engine losing power briefly from time to time. Having never owned a jet boat/ski, I have little knowledge about how these work or what to listen/look for. I believe I was having some cavitation issues on the port drive and was wondering if that could have contributed to the engine failure? I would make sure on acceleration not to let the rpm get too high on that engine so I would not break anything prior to having the cavitation issue addressed. Obviously, it didn't work.

Would a cavitation issue cause a cooling issue on the engine? When I spoke with that mechanic, he said the engine had a heat sensor on it which will cut power to prevent overheating. Is the cooling intake located in the pump? If so, would cavitation cause the engine not to get enough water into the pickup. Would the bearing failure most likely be related to a cooling or lubrication issue or both. If so, repairing the engine w/out addressing the possible root cause would just be a waste of money.

My next question is should I have this engine rebuilt or purchase a short block? If so, who has the best short block for the money? This is going to be an expensive repair, but I want to do it right w/out breaking the bank.

 

[staceyrides]

717 Engine Failure

Just spoke with a mechanic that said he thinks I have dropped a cylinder rather than the crank bearing issue :hurray: I sure hope he's right because that is a much less expensive fix! Based on what I described below, do you think that might indeed be the issue? Would the rpm issue be related to it leaning out?

Thanks for any advice you experts can provide.

 

[ocod]

Just spoke with a mechanic that said he thinks I have dropped a cylinder rather than the crank bearing issue :hurray: I sure hope he's right because that is a much less expensive fix! Based on what I described below, do you think that might indeed be the issue? Would the rpm issue be related to it leaning out?

Thanks for any advice you experts can provide.

sorry to hear your bad new. Did you get a gool deal on boat atleat?

I just got a speedster w/twin 717 and one would start and other did not.
Just rebuilt both carbs
Not sure whether to take to stealer to fix as 85/hr or go have them tell me whats wrong then look in manual and look for other diys.
I have two kids and work to 6 so wrenching would be at night when everyone asleep
time or money ??

sounds like you have a good mech? what are you labor costs estimates??

 

[ocod]

My next question is should I have this engine rebuilt or purchase a short block? If so, who has the best short block for the money? This is going to be an expensive repair, but I want to do it right w/out breaking the bank.

the two sites that come up in one of fourm vendon PWC??? not sure

or

http://www.shopsbt.com/jet-skis/jet-ski-engines-crankshafts.html

or
http://www.fullboreonline.com/rebuilt_seadoo_engine.htm

one thread I read said fullbore is beter b/c other SBT gives you 40 over iirc bore and can't have 2nd rebuild. Also has issues with cracks/welds on the crank??
May be someone what has prior experience will chim in??

I wonder what you could get for your blown motor??
If my repair costs get to high to fix I'll take out old motors and buy new setup.
Its either the engine/drive(wear rings) or electrical...

I think I like fullbore and will go w/them if thats my case.
subscribed :cheers:

 

[staceyrides]

To find a mechanic, I posted an ad "Seadoo jetboat mechanic wanted" on craigslist under boats and have gotten several references. Funny, the two that I've talked to actually know each other and live in different states.

Anyway, the first guy thinks it's the bottom end, $1200-$1500 repair; he has actually seen the boat since the problem occurred. The one who thinks it's the top end said he could repair it for less than $600 but we have only talked over the phone. A compression check would reveal if it's the top end.

Hope everything works out.