RESTO 657x motor 95 SPX

[LKGrider]

I have a chance to grab a neglected abandoned 95 SPX. It is complete. Hasn't run in years. Cosmetically challenged but the price is right. I can get the ski and trailer for $0.00. I have heard of the 657x motor before. What is so special/ desirable about it? I am thinking of keeping this one for the long run. Always wanted an x4. Doesn't seem to be any hull damage. I will post some pics soon.

 

[Matt Braley]

Good ski but not an X4 I'm afraid. The 657X is a peppy little engine. You will like it and you can't beat the price!

 

[LKGrider]

What years are the x4 hulls? What makes it an x4?

 

[Matt Braley]

Replaceable trim tabs on either side in the rear are the indication that it is an X4. It started in 95 with the XP and XP800 and ended in 99 with the SPX.

 

[LKGrider]

Replaceable trim tabs on either side in the rear are the indication that it is an X4. It started in 95 with the XP and XP800 and ended in 99 with the SPX.

Good to know. Learn something new everyday. So what is the difference between the 657x and the 657?

 

[Matt Braley]

Good to know. Learn something new everyday. So what is the difference between the 657x and the 657?

Quite a bit actually. They have a similar name but it's the turning point for our twin two-strokes in my opinion. A 657 is very "580ish" and a 657X is a precursor to the 717. I think they even chilled it out a little with the 717 getting their power increase through displacement where as the X is just a little higher strung.

 

[Minnetonka4me]

Typically the 95 SPX and GTX that have the 657x come with the regular 4 wire stator setup. The 93-94 XPs used the hot 5 wire setup. I have heard there were a few 95s that came 5 wire, Seadoo was using up parts. It would have the same MPEM as a 94xp, and a 5 wire stator. Those MPEMs, stators, and flywheels have to be correct....cant mix and match.

 

[LKGrider]

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it won't need to much part replacements and just the routine servicing for a ski that has sat. Would be nice to have that body ski and not too much money in it. I've always loved that style

 

[Minnetonka4me]

Its pretty close...but Matts right its not a true X-4.

 

[Sportster-2001-951C-Stock]

I really liked my old 717 ski without a balance shaft, these motors run sssssooooo good! It wasn't a 60mph ski but it went plenty fast for me and would about leap onto plane so I was happy as a pig in poop with it.

 

[96spxpos]

I really liked my old 717 ski without a balance shaft, these motors run sssssooooo good! It wasn't a 60mph ski but it went plenty fast for me and would about leap onto plane so I was happy as a pig in poop with it.

funny bc when I was looking to buy a spare blown 717 to build and keep as a spare about a month ago, I found one and the guy told me that he opened the bottom end and the crank and counterbalance shaft was in excellent shape, and I kind of got into a pissing match with him bc I swore the 717 doesn't have a counterbalance shaft...

 

[96spxpos]

Typically the 95 SPX and GTX that have the 657x come with the regular 4 wire stator setup. The 93-94 XPs used the hot 5 wire setup. I have heard there were a few 95s that came 5 wire, Seadoo was using up parts. It would have the same MPEM as a 94xp, and a 5 wire stator. Those MPEMs, stators, and flywheels have to be correct....cant mix and match.

Watch this Youtube video and around the 9-10 minute mark, you'll see how this guy used/fabricated the stator off of one engine and used it on another (I think one was the 657 and the other is a 657x?). the shapes were slightly off and I think there was an extra wire on one. Either way, the guy used a stator from a different engine and put it on another. Not saying this is right, just saying he did it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvNNzjCGYJU

 

[Minnetonka4me]

I watched about 5 mins...I cant watch anymore. hack job to the fullest. People that think that just putting shims back where they came out is going to realign it...hackity hack hack hack. LOL

 

[Sportster-2001-951C-Stock]

Agree about the importance of engine alignment, for stern drives alignment needs to be checked and adjusted periodically because hull shape can change over time and engine mounts can shift slightly.

 

[Minnetonka4me]

Engine brackets are not identical either, and they have some wiggle room when you are mounting the motor to them....so they will never be identical.

 

[96spxpos]

yea that was the whole concept of the vid and his other projects. He builds toys out of scrap and without spending any money on any part, if possible, and if he does, they are usually 2nd hand parts. he rebuilt a dirtbike that had a rusted, seized piston, and just like sanded and wire wheeled the piston and cylinders, and used lapping compound for the valve parts..

 

[n3k0de]

awww come on, just do a bump alignment and call it a day!!!

 

[96spxpos]

whats a bump alignment?

 

[AdamXP800]

Loosen the bolts on the mounts, slide drive shaft in bolt pump on and but the starter button. It "supposedly" bumps the engine into alignment



96 XP800!
Keep the 2 strokes alive!

 

[96spxpos]

interesting... well the good news is, on my HX, the next time any major work needs to be done, I can just bring it to the STEALERSHIP for a free recall gas tank replacement, and for mine, the motor NEEDS to come out to replace the gas tank, so I'd HOPEFULLY ASSUME they'll use the alignment tool when reinstalling.

 

[1983]

We would hope! haha. I'm pretty sure they would though.

Rob

interesting... well the good news is, on my HX, the next time any major work needs to be done, I can just bring it to the STEALERSHIP for a free recall gas tank replacement, and for mine, the motor NEEDS to come out to replace the gas tank, so I'd HOPEFULLY ASSUME they'll use the alignment tool when reinstalling.

 

[Sportster-2001-951C-Stock]

I think the "bump alignment" refers to loosening the motor mounts and knocking or bumping the motor around to sorta get the initial alignment close. Not perfect of course, but better than just throwing the motor in there and bolting it down.

But just like on a stern drive, still need to confirm the alignment shaft slips easily and smoothly in and out of the PTO splines without binding.

 

[Sportster-2001-951C-Stock]

interesting... well the good news is, on my HX, the next time any major work needs to be done, I can just bring it to the STEALERSHIP for a free recall gas tank replacement, and for mine, the motor NEEDS to come out to replace the gas tank, so I'd HOPEFULLY ASSUME they'll use the alignment tool when reinstalling.

You guys sorta have a special license for kluging things together I think, but that doesn't mean you aren't interested in doing things the right way. Considering you live on a tropical island in the middle of the ocean inhabited by unfriendly tribal cannibals and the USS Minnow is out of commission, you have to be a little more inventive than us mainlanders, right?

 

[LKGrider]

Well I picked it up the other week. Sorry I have been behind and haven't had a chance to update. I at least have it in the garage now and will hope to have some time to get into it a bit and see how good or bad she is. Looks rough but she will clean up. Not going to put the time into cleaning till I see if she is going to be worth fixing. (Notice the jet ski stand it is on....got off Craigslist yesterday. 2 for $100!!!! Guy bought them from a local Yamaha dealer that folded then sold his skis. Claims they were never outside.. They look brand new and are built solid and roll nice!)

 

[LKGrider]