1997 XP - help identifying which ski

[Purplesage33]

Just purchased this rig and trying to get started. Worked on boats all my life but slow out of the blocks on this one. I ended up with this rig somewhat by accident and I'm now getting excited about it as I read up. So far though I haven't found a video that says (this is how you identify one ski from another other than the badges and all mine say is Seadoo Bombardier XP (powered by Rotax). The 1997 part came from the serial number.

Second problem is the DESS key is missing - I'm a DIY kind of person but maybe this is one where I will need to take it to a dealer. Hope not but maybe.

Your help will be appreciated!

 

[burtshaver2021]

A picture will help in identifying the ski. I trailered my HX to the dealership and they programmed a new key to the MPEM.

 

[Loganab13]

If it’s a 97 XP it’s the newer parabolic style hull and was a one-year-only model with the 787 engine. They’re fun skis but parts are hard to find, and if you do find them, they’re expensive. Especially MPEMs.

You’ll have to send the MPEM off to get programmed or you can trailer it to a dealer and they should be able to program a new key for you. Westside Powersports at Lake of the Ozarks and in Minnetonka offers a programming service for like $40 bucks, but you have to ship them the MPEM. You can buy Atlantis or OEM keys from them or you can supply your own and they’ll program it. It’s not a DIY option unless you have a BUDs programmer.

 

[Purplesage33]

Sorry life added complications so I haven't been able to pay any attention to the Sea-doo project. Here are a couple pictures to give you all a better chance of helping me. I'm sure once you see it you can tell me whether it seems worth investing in it and what I actually have. No sure where I have the rig Logan suggest and actually not sure whether its a good thing or bad thing to have a one-year only model. Sounds bad but in cars the rarities are more sought after.

 

[Loganab13]

Sorry life added complications so I haven't been able to pay any attention to the Sea-doo project. Here are a couple pictures to give you all a better chance of helping me. I'm sure once you see it you can tell me whether it seems worth investing in it and what I actually have. No sure where I have the rig Logan suggest and actually not sure whether its a good thing or bad thing to have a one-year only model. Sounds bad but in cars the rarities are more sought after.

Yes, that’s a 97 XP. Nothing inherently wrong with the one-year model, just know that some parts are tricky to find and are expensive when you do find them. This is isolated mostly to electrical parts. They’re fun skis but a lot of people say they’re underpowered due to the combination of the 787 and increased weight of the parabolic hull in comparison to the X4 hull. Seadoo went to the 951 in the 98 XP for that reason.

I would say first and foremost, you need to get a key programmed so you can do a compression test. 150 in each cylinder is ideal, with no more than 10% variation between each cylinder.

If you verify compression is good, the gray fuel lines need to be replaced and the carbs need rebuilt with genuine OEM Mikuni kits. The gray fuel lines are called Tempo, and they react with today’s ethanol fuel and produce a sticky green goo around the brass nipples. This goo can clog the small internal filters in your carbs and create a lean condition.

 

[mikidymac]

You can jump the starter solenoid with a screwdriver and test compression without a DESS Key.

 

[Purplesage33]

Thanks guys and that's where I'll start. In fact there is a new battery installed because I was planning to run a compression test and it was at that point I ran into the Dess key issue. I will jump the solenoid because a deal is a fair ways away and known for being expensive. If I have a decent engine I will bite the bullet though for sure.

 

[Grim]

I would also download the maintenance manual and the parts manual , they are free online. It will help with any work you need to do.
Also when you do the compression test make sure you hold down the throttle all the way, that is the proper way to do it for our skis.

 

[Purplesage33]

Thank you, just the kind of advice I need. Besides being new to the jet ski world I'm also old and forgetful - quite a bit of mechanical experience but so much of it was in the 70's to 90's. Going to be a fun ride (both figuratively and for real).

 

[mikidymac]

Thank you, just the kind of advice I need. Besides being new to the jet ski world I'm also old and forgetful - quite a bit of mechanical experience but so much of it was in the 70's to 90's. Going to be a fun ride (both figuratively and for real).

70-90's tech is where these are at so you should be good to go.