1998 sportster 1800

[swneely]

Hey guys,
I'm looking for a windshield, and 2 spare engines. Bought this one earlier this year and had a blast with it, but I know I'm going to have to replace engines SOON. It was not taken care of, the windshield is trashed, motors run ok, but down on compression. I ran at least 10 full tanks of fuel, I noticed that one engine was REAL hard to start after about an hour of running, the other was ok. This is the first seadoo I have owned. The 707 engines feel strong, but I have no idea if they were taken care of before I bought the boat. So I would like to get 2 engines, and have them ready if I need them for next year. I'm already looking for 2 new jet pumps, one is in dire need for a rebuild, the other is ok. I wor 6 days week, 11 hour days, so when I'm not at work, I WANT TO PLAY. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[howie099]

You can get used jet pumps off of standard skis. I found 2 brass pumps for mine for $60 each of flee Bay and they work great, put new OEM wear rings, replace both carbon rings assemblies and you will be good on driveline if you impllers look good. The brass are a little stonger also. I would rebuild both carbs on the boat also the kits you can both for under $100 or ask Doc on the board here to rebuild them. That is more than likely part of your hard startingid the leaking needles. If your engines are getting to low on compression now is the time to get them over hauled. Fullbore is doing the rebuild for $50 off the normal pricing plus and extra year. So you are getting a 3 year warranty on those babies. You have to send your engine to them.

I have the same boat as you and I rebuilt the whole driveline since I needed pumps the plastic ones where all banged up in the stators. I wanted do it right so new impellers, wear rings, and carbon rings. I also rebuild one carb during the season since I was starting to get a little hesitation when I would gun it on 1 of the engines. It ended up being a plugged fuel filter so I just rebuilt it since it was apart and 14 years old seems like a good time. I know my boat has only 150 hours or less on it since I have the tool to read the computer. This was my first season and I only used like 2-3 tanks on mine that was it. I still took it more than the last owner her toook it 3 times a year. 4th of July, labor day, and memorial day that is it.

 

[swneely]

I traded one of my motorcycles for this boat. I tested on the river for about 45 minutes, did not do compression check until later. 115 both cylinders on one engine, 120 and 110 on the other..that's the one that's hard to start. I'm looking at another one at the moment for parts. One motor is completely shot, the other, has good compression..140 both sides. Everything else is in GREAT, I'm just trying to justify spending another 3000 for a parts boat.

 

[howie099]

You can get your 2 engies done for around $1800. If the parts boat is a Sportser 1800 some of parts are worth a good penny like the MPEM, seats, and and a few others. The rest of the common parts you can still buy or make fit. If you can part with some of the higher used parts off the parts boat it might be a good deal, but that person could repalce that engine and sell it for a higher prices. You can get a lower warranty engine for around $600 and if the boat is the Sporster 1800 you should be able to sell it for around 5000 or more. Me I bought my 124 hour Sportster 1800 for $4400. If you just need 2 engines (717's) I would just get 2 skis since you can get those for way less. The pumps will fit your boat and most of the other stuff will. What you don't need sell on Fleabay.

 

[swneely]

Well I bought the "parts boat" I talked her down to 2300. Now for the surprise of the year....brought it home, I wanted to see just how bad the motors were....140 one one both sides, 135 and 140 on the other. The so called bad motor was hydra locked with oil...pulled plugs, spun it over, cleaned it out, put it on a hose, 2 new plugs and it fired up and ran good. So both engines are good. I will take it out on the lake Sunday just to see how it runs. Seats are good, Bimini top shredded. Has 2 batteries, both Optimas. Put them on slow charge overnight, tested next day were good. The woman threw in a brand new cover, 2 spare tires, and 3 newer life jackets. I almost feel guilty....so the parts boat may turn into a good running boat. I will post results of test run later...burr Dec on the water...

The second battery was for a built in subwoofer and amp...the head unit is fried but the speakers, and amp are good

 

[howie099]

If the engine is filling wiht oil the seal on the rotary valve on that engine it going. You would need to pinch the line if you park it for a long time. You would need to get that fixed down the road sometime. I also add a 2nd battery and switch for the the radio and that in my Sportster 1800 also.