1999 GSX - $500 - leaking head gasket

[rlamb1]

So, I have an opportunity to buy a 99 GSX for $500 obo. The guy says it has a leaking head gasket. I'm not super mechanically inclined ( though I'm learning from this forum and working on my 96 GTX). My question is, and I know this is hard without looking it over, but what's the wort case scenario as far as repairs go? Anyone think it's worth it? I thinki could get it for $400 including trailer. Titles for both.

Thans for your input.


Rob

 

[LouDoo]

Worst case a new motor, best case a new head gasket, for $400.00 you've got nothing to loose, around here the trailer is worth $300.00. Is the ski a limited or an RFI?

Lou

 

[rlamb1]

What does a new motor run? I'm not sure if it's a limited or RFI, going to check it out in a few minutes. How can i tell?

Sorry, I'm a n00b, but I'm learning.

 

[dsteinmann]

RFI has fuel injection , it will probably say if the stickers are still on it

 

[Dr Honda]

Yep... if you know the colors... we can figure it out. OR... it will say RFI on the side.

The 2 skis have different engines. The RFI is an 800, and doesn't really have a head gasket. (it's just O-rings) and the LTD has the 951 engine, and it uses a conventional head gasket.

As above... $500... you have a +$300 trailer, and +$1k in the other parts if you don't want to fix it. So... worst case is a new engine, or triple your investment selling the parts on eBay.

 

[rlamb1]

Thank you guys.

I will let you know how it turns out.


P.S.
This is an awesome forum.

 

[JCzGTX]

If you are gonna pass on it please let me know.

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

if it's red and black, call me Cash Offers on clean 951 ski's with blown engines

 

[rlamb1]

It's the non- fuel injected kind. So 951 if I'm reading the everything right.

It's pretty far out in the country, not really near any PWC shops so i dont think i can get it checked out before buying. Anything other than the norm that I should look for when I go see it tomorrow? I just don't want to get stuck with a worthless ski. I know I can get at least 300 for a trailer but I'd prefer to make money on it ( if I decide not to keep it) than loose money or break even.

Thanks again for the help, I do appreciate it!!

 

[JCzGTX]

It's the non- fuel injected kind. So 951 if I'm reading the everything right.

It's pretty far out in the country, not really near any PWC shops so i dont think i can get it checked out before buying. Anything other than the norm that I should look for when I go see it tomorrow? I just don't want to get stuck with a worthless ski. I know I can get at least 300 for a trailer but I'd prefer to make money on it ( if I decide not to keep it) than loose money or break even.

Thanks again for the help, I do appreciate it!!

At least pull the plugs and make sure it turns over. Look for signs of the head leaking like he says, black marks where compression is leaking out. Overall corrosion or hopefully lack there of on all the electrical connections.

Let me know if you need a hand on it this weekend if you pick it up. Trying to go out Saturday if I get the fuel system done, so Sunday is open for troubleshooting.

 

[rlamb1]

Will do. Getting excited to get the GTX out, going cabin crazy here.

 

[Dr Honda]

For $500... the only thing you need to check is that it's not stolen, and the title is clear.