2001GTX RFI overhaul opinion

[Waterboy_75]

Recently bought a used 01 gtx RFI for the kids to play around on when we take the big boat out. Anyway, I bought it from a guy as a non running ski(ie cheep).He stated it just quit and now wouldn’t crank, no beep with kill lanyard, no dash.I brought it home and checked it over. It ended up being 2 blown fuses and the dash shows 147hrs. I cleaned the fuel and oil tanks, checked the compression and found #1 cly full of oil. After cleaning it out the compression was (145 mag end, 150 pto side) so I decided to take it to the water and let it run easy on the trailer before running it hard. I let it run for about 10min easy and it sounded perfect, idled well so I gave it one or two quick burst to about 5k. On the last one it acted like it bogged for a split second and then quit…like locked up,quit. I called it a night and decided to look at it the next morning. Plugs show no sign of water, I was able to get it to roll it over so I could scope both cyls and they look good and now it cranks again, but it was definitely locked up. I didn’t recheck comp as when I cranked it #1 blew oil again so I am assuming the rotary valve cranks seals let go. I verified by draining the oil and pressurizing the rev chamber and in less than 30 seconds will go from 5 to 0. So it looks like a lower end rebuild is in order and I will probably do the top end as well just to do it. I can see on the tops of the pistons they are .25mm so it’s been done once, but the paint isn’t cracked on any of the bottom end so it’s probably original. Anyway, is this something people attach themselves, or do most send them off? I’m not scared of it, just questioning myself as it is a little different than what I’m use to and I’m sure I will have to buy a few more tools, which I’m not against. I just want as reliable of motor as is possible.
For context, I have been in the marine industry for 30+ years, a Mercury certified tech and evinrude master, but we have stayed away from pwc’s as we have never been able to keep up with the work on regular boats. So I’m very familiar with 2-s engine and have rebuilt 100’s of them.


Thanks!

 

[burtshaver2021]

you have much much more experience then I, but are you asking if you can rebuild the crank yourself? Usually the answer is no, but if you have the tools, 50 ton press, whatever jigs you would need for proper spacing, the knowledge and skill to true the crank I see no reason you couldn’t buy most just send them out or buy an aftermarket

 

[Waterboy_75]

Really just a general question as to overhauls and the crank was probably the biggest. In outboards, there are some parts that ppl think are hard, but in reality really aren’t, ie cracked rod cap alignment, taper pins, anaerobic sealers, ect and then things ppl don’t even think about that trip them up. I got it out last night, so if I can get a few evenings away from kids sports this week I’m going to tear it down and make the call from there.

Thanks for the reply!

 

[mikidymac]

The crankshaft and balancer shaft should be rebuilt.
For the crank if you want to do it yourself you will need a strong press, V-Blocks, Seadoo Specific bearing distance gauge (discontinued) and dial indicator to make sure it it true. It is a lot of work and some pretty specific skill so it is much easier to get a reman crank.

 

[Waterboy_75]

The crankshaft and balancer shaft should be rebuilt.
For the crank if you want to do it yourself you will need a strong press, V-Blocks, Seadoo Specific bearing distance gauge (discontinued) and dial indicator to make sure it it true. It is a lot of work and some pretty specific skill so it is much easier to get a reman crank.

Skilz, press, v-blocks, determination and measuring equipment I’m good on, it’s the seadoo specific tools that I’m short on. Is there any consensus on the better places to buy from and who to stay away from? I’ve read enough to know it seems really hit and miss and I will probably go this way instead of diy.
Thanks for the reply!

 

[mikidymac]

Competitive Crankshafts is the bust in the business.
WSM get pretty good reviews.
I would stay away from SBT and Hot Rods.