1997 xp looking at buying first PWC

[JoeHerlihy]

Hello,

I am looking at buying a 1997 sea doo xp. I am very new to this sport so not really sure what to look at. I'm very familiar with two strokes cause I love snowmobiling. But what else should i check for when going to look at this PWC cause i realize it is an older machine. How many hours is a lot? Bearings? Impellors? How were these machines in general?

Any advice would be appreciated,

Thanks,
Joe, WI :bigear:

 

[LouDoo]

There are some things you can check.

1. Check the compression, compression should be about 150psi and no lower than 130psi, with a difference of not more than 10%.

2. Does the ski still have the grey tempo fuel lines? This is not a deal breaker, but plan on spending around $150.00, if you do it yourself, to replace the lines, filters, selector switch, and maybe overhaul the carbs.

3. Visually inspect the wear ring, check for chunks missing, and excessive wear, clearance between the wear ring and impeller should be not more than .040", while you're there look and the impeller for any dents or dings. Again this is not a deal breaker, if you do it your self plan on spending $50-60.

There are threads in the articles section of this forum on how to do both 2 and 3.

4. Ride the ski, does it accelerate smoothly and quickly. It should plane fast and ride straight and true with little vibration. After your ride check the hull for water, a little water is normal, as the ski is not completely watertight around the front storage compartment.

5. Hours, as far as hours go you're looking at a 13yr. old ski, unless it was only driven by a little old lady to church on sundays, expect some hours, ask how many, and when and what services have been performed. If the ski has excess of 200hrs. you could expect to do some work in the near future. Checking compression is a good indicator of engine condition.

Hope this helps.

Lou

 

[JoeHerlihy]

Thanks Hou your advice is huge! Guess i'll go take a look at it and check for all them things.

Thanks Again,
Joe, WI:cheers:

 

[LouDoo]

Hi Joe,

One other thing. With the economy being what it is there are a lot of scams going on. Make sure the owner has a clear title and the hull no. on the title matches the hull number on the ski. Same thing on the trailer.

Lou

 

[nikko_m]

maybe you can also open up the head and visually check the condition of the pistons and sleeves.