94 Seadoo SPi HELP!!

[MissouriGirl]

I have a 94 Seadoo SPi with a 587 engine in it. I purchased this about a month ago and have not been able to have it on the water yet. I was told when I purchased it that it needed a new starter and that the carbs were rebuilt last summer. Since having it, I replaced the starter, new plugs, new battery and still could not get it to go. I took it to a Seadoo mechanic and am now being told that when the carbs were rebuilt the cable on the oil pump was put on backwards and the line is broken off by the oil pump and that an allen bolt dropped into the motor lodging into the rotary valve causing damage to the rotary valve. Now, what I am told is that even with the RV out the motor still has a "tight spot" in it and that I need a new engine. Can anyone verify this for me?? If he tells me the pistons are moving up and down just fine, what could be damaged?

I am also told that none of this damage would have taken place had the carbs been done correctly, so I plan on finding out what the guy plans to do about that (probably nothing). I have already owe this mechanic $140 to just take this ski apart to diagnose the problem. Not sure I want to sink any more money in to it. Anyone have any suggestions? Should I just sell as is and find something different? Is is better to sell as is or part it out?

Thanks for all of your help!

 

[MissouriGirl]

Can anyone offer any advice to the above post? Thank you!

 

[Dr Honda]

Can anyone offer any advice to the above post? Thank you!

First... give it at least 24 hours before bumping it.

Second... My advice is... if you don't want to put money into an older ski... then you should have bought a new one with a warranty.

I know that sounds harsh... but it's the truth. You bought the ski knowing it needed some love, and now that it's more than you were expecting... you want the last owner to take it back, or give you money to repair it??? (that's wrong on many levels)


OK... now that I got that off my chest... let's address the problem.

1) "The cable on the oil pump was put on backward." It can't be put on backward. BUT, the pump arm can be flipped. If it is flipped, the worst that will happen is that you will get too much oil. (not necessarily a bad thing, it will just smoke) To fix it... flip the arm down, put the cable on, and adjust it properly.

2) "A bolt fell into the rotary valve, damaged it, and now has a tight spot." Yes, that can happen. Open the RV cover, and replace the valve. If there is a "Tight spot" after installing the new valve... then the gears are damaged. You still don't need a new engine, but the gears or rotary valve shaft needs replaced.

2.1) as far as "The damage wouldn't have happened if the carbs were correctly rebuilt" is a load of crap. What's a bolt down the engine have to do with the actual rebuild??? I'm not saying it was done right, but a bolt down the open manifold can happen anytime you take off the flame arrestors.

2.2) The damage is probably just a bent rotary valve. BUT, depending how it bent, it could have caused damage to the housing. That still doesn't require a full rebuild, but the engine may need to be disassembled, and sent in to be resurfaced.

3) I would pay the mechanic, and take it somewhere else. The guy who is working on it now, obviously wants to take the easy way out as far as labor is concerned. (engine swap is fast, and easy) It will take longer for him to fix your engine.


Good luck. :cheers:

 

[MissouriGirl]

Sorry for the early "bump", new to any type of forum.

I realize there will be money put into this ski but I felt that the mechanic was feeding me a line of BS so I was asking for advice.

The carbs were rebuilt by previous owner but the person who rebuilt the carbs "guaranteed" his work, that was what I meant by calling to see what he thought. No, I do not expect my money back at all, but IF it was a carb rebuild problem and he guaranteed his work, he should be held to that guarantee (that's my opinion). Sorry if you feel that is wrong.

The reason for the post was to get the opinion of those more knowledgable than I on what the mechanic is telling me because I felt it was a line of garbage but I wanted to make sure before I go pick this ski up that is now in pieces.

Thanks for your input Dr. Honda!

 

[Dr Honda]

Well... a guaranty is a good thing... but if that person does bad work... do you really want him working on it again?

 

[MissouriGirl]

That is a good point Dr. Honda! The problem is that mechanics for Jetski's of any kind are few and far between around here! The one I found was 45 minutes away from home, but the closest and came recommended to me by a Powersports shop that used to service Jetski's.

I have decided to pick the ski up today and attempt to put this thing back together with a shop manual and the help of an auto mechanic friend so hopefully it all works out.

Thanks again for the input! I really do appreciate all of the help!