2003 Gtx 4 TEC 155 Vans *new to me* thoughts?

[STUFF2C]

Just what I needed... another project. my neighbors kids are off on their own and they have no use for this ski any longer. So I get the call "hey you interested in my Seadoo"? :facepalm:

It's a 2003 GTX 4 TEC Vans edition. been serviced fairly regular, has a few issues. I think the valve cover is leaking , when I changed the #1 plug there was some oil around the plug (none in the cylinder), needs a new battery (it was almost flat, so just in case), 300 hrs so I ordered a wear ring and impeller (maxes out around 40mph and has never been changed). I'm using

Any thing else I should look for? thanks in advance! looks like i'll be hanging out around here for a while. I am using Riva (site sponsor?) for my parts. Jerry

 

[Rrm1387]

I have a 2003 gtx s/c its been a great machine. A couple of things its sounds like it runs? With 300 hrs I would do a compression test before I start dumping $$$$ . Its simple and cheap it will give you an idea of its health . I had 150 on mine before it spun the impeller . my wear ring still had life...

 

[STUFF2C]

Thanks.... this is the non-supercharged version with a built in ski pillion... SOB is BIG. never really paid much attention to it other that watching their kids ripping up the lake on it.
I did change the plugs, they looked great BTW. The oil is iffy at best, it was changed last year. It pulls past 7k rpms and idles fine "now". Just tops out a little over 40 mph... overall it seems to be in good shape. It is stored on a PWC dock and has always been covered. It shows average wear considering being outside its entire life (covered). I'm going to pull it out of the lake and do a full service including wear ring and impeller. I was just checking to see if there is something I should take a close look at.

 

[Coastiejoe]

2003 to Mid 2006 have sodium filled exhaust valves. These are considerably weaker then the solid valves. They can break and cause SERIOUS engine damage. Realistic cost if one fails could easily be 2 grand on the low end and easily higher. I would replace them with the updated valves. Look at the stamping on the valve when you pull the valve cover. Number 72 is the sodium style. 75 is the updates style.


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[STUFF2C]

ouch! any chance the 2003 non SC came with the 75's? also is there anything I should look out for when I remove the valve cover? like hidden o rings

 

[SaltyBones]

ouch! any chance the 2003 non SC came with the 75's?

I don't think so...unless the previous owner had them changed. That said, plenty of people haven't paid to get them updated and I've read those non-supercharged skis are pretty reliable skis Also, take this for what it's worth, but I've read a lot of the skis with the valve issues were more salt water skis that were not fogged after use.

I do second the compression check just to see where your at before spending too much on the ski, but as you said, it runs fine when you tested it. So, I'm sure it's fine. Congrats on the score!

 

[Spimothy Leary]

compression.

pump inspection and a good once over...

I had mine inspected by a qualified tuner (182 hours) right after I bought it, had bad PTO bearing and carbon seal was in really bad shape, driveshaft was really bad and also had busted motor mount... (basically there was a pretty dam good chance I was going to sink if the seadoo gods decided to stop favoring me.) once your pushing 300 hours you might have similar concerns, although mine had spent 80% of its life in salt, which tends to accelerate some things that normally last longer.

 

[Tytan]

The 155's are lessprone to valve failure, no guarantees though. The oil in the spark plug hole is probably from a leaking spark plug tube, valve cover gasket is a one piece rubber seal so no surprises on removal. Like others mentioned compression check, check the pump grease while you are doing the wear ring and the carbon seal and boot condition, if the boot has not been replaced it has probably got hard and lost it's elasticity. I would also have a good look at the condition of all the large hose clamps on the exhaust system if one of these fails the hull fills up really quickly

I don't like the hose clamps seadoo use on the exhaust system so I change all mine to stainless T bolt clamps if there is room or stainless AWAB clamps. I have about 25 slightly used big hose clamps if anyone needs a few.

 

[Coastiejoe]

I will agree with most in that the 155 is less prove to fail as compared to the 215, 255 engine. That said, MANY of the 155's have failed. And no, no chance yours came with the 75 style valves. They will only be there is a previous owner has changed them.

Bottom line, it is impossible to say that it likely will not happen. It is proven that a salt water location does add to the failure rate. The 4-tec engine is WAY to expense to repair without seriously considering doing the valve swap. Google the issue, you will see enough stories to scare you for sure. It is just one of those things...

Love the 4-tec engine, it is all I own (155 and 255), but the potential valve issue does exist and is something you need to think about.

 

[STUFF2C]

I plan to have a really good look at the thing once I get it out of the water and into the garage. The carbon ring? What the best way to inspect that? I did notice the "loop" that is used to pull the engine looks like it has been used, so I will try and get the full history. it was serviced by the Correct Craft/Seadoo Dealer here in Orlando.

thanks for all the insight.. I will try and put it to good use.