2002 GTX - Service Advice

[CaptJack]

Hello - I am looking for some advice on having some service done. I have searched around the forum but I didn't see anything specific to my question, I apologize if this is a repetitive topic and I am missing it. The details:

I have a 2002 GTX that I bought new. It has 150 hours on it (I don't ride a lot). Always ran in freshwater (Western NY), stored during the season on a lift at the dock. Stored in a garage in the winters, always performed routine winterization, new plugs every year, new battery on average every 3 years. Always run on ethanol free gas. Waxed at the beginning and end of every season. That is the extent of what has been done, I have never had to take it in for service, it is in excellent condition. This season I have been experiencing some difficulty starting it at times and it seems to not be running quite as good as it always has, won't stay running at idle, etc. So after this weekend, which is basically the end of the season around here, I was thinking I would take it to the dealer where I bought it for some sort of tune up, etc. With the condition it is in I just don't want to get rid of it or buy a new one, I have never really had to put money into it for engine issues so I figure I will now. I am not mechanically inclined, so I hate to just take it to a dealer and say look it over and tell me what should be done without myself at least getting a general idea of what I should be looking to have done to it. A friend suggested getting the throttle cable replaced as it is probably stretched out, having the carbeurators cleaned, possibly replacing the spark plug caps, other electrical parts, etc.

I appreciate any responses, thank you.

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

The 2002 GTX came in a few versions.

Is this a Direct Injection model? (fuel pump issues)

or carb?

 

[CaptJack]

The 2002 GTX came in a few versions.

Is this a Direct Injection model? (fuel pump issues)

or carb?

Sorry that I forgot to include that, this is not a direct injection model, so carbeurated. Thanks.

 

[mikidymac]

New fuel filter, change the fuel valve and rebuild the carbs with genuine Mikuni parts. Pretty common and I am surprised you made it this long before and issue. Even though you run non ethanol fuel if your fuel lines are gray I would replace them. It is highly doubtful the throttle cable is stretched.

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

I'd check compression as well. Cold, wide open throttle. you're looking mostly for the same reading in both holes, more so than a specific number.

The carb 951, has a life about about 150-250 hours. (10-12 years).

You're going on 14 years of good service

I don't personally rebuild carbs - new they are $400

A rebuild (engine) from a shop will set you back about $1200 depending on the shop.

you'll be able to swap the engine out, being so late in the season, you may not be back on the water this year, unless you go with a shop that swaps the engine vs. rebuilding yours.

Let's also not rule out the jet pump - bearings going back?

More than likely however it's just the fuel filter under the front bin, and or the ones in the carbs themselves... from the issues you describe. $30 in parts at most.

 

[Sportster-2001-951C-Stock]

I'm thinking your fuel system needs a thorough going through, (carburetors replaced or carefully rebuilt and new fuel lines and shutoff valve).

A shop that isn't in a marina is unlikely to water test, which is the only way of knowing it's repaired. Thus I suggest you should put it in the water right away and test it as opposed to simply storing it for winter.

Have the shop do a compression test and see if compression is a perfect 130psi The compression of my 951 is now 122psi in both cylinders and still running fine.