96 challenger questions

[nt7332]

Sorry for all the new questions anyone please help....
I bought a 96 challenger this past winter for a good price. it started when i bought it. but im not sure about a few things.

1. what model i have? it has a single bombardier engine. Im not sure what size it is? how do i check?

2. is it ok to dry start the engine without it being in water? if not how the heck do i test what is working? i dont live anywhere near a lake.

3. what do i need to do to de-winterize it? the previous owner said he winterized it but im not sure what to do next?

4. i know these must seem like cazy questions to the pros. I have never owned a boat before, but i do work on cars, trucks, and motorcycles all the time and am very mechanically inclined.

 

[pincusa]

Sorry for all the new questions anyone please help....
I bought a 96 challenger this past winter for a good price. it started when i bought it. but im not sure about a few things.

1. what model i have? it has a single bombardier engine. Im not sure what size it is? how do i check?

Maybe post a picture of it and that will help us match it up

2. is it ok to dry start the engine without it being in water? if not how the heck do i test what is working? i dont live anywhere near a lake.

You need to connect a hose to the boat to supply it with cooling water if you're going to run it for more than a few seconds. There should be a fitting around the jet pump where you can screw in a hose. Turn the water on AFTER the engine is running and turn it off just before you turn the engine off. Otherwise you run the risk of flooding the engine with water.

So I have to ask, if you don't live anywhere near a lake, what are you doing with a boat?

3. what do i need to do to de-winterize it? the previous owner said he winterized it but im not sure what to do next?

Just run it with the hose or the first time you get to a lake. Winterizing is just removing the water from the engine and replacing it with an anti freeze to keep it from cracking the engine when it turns to ice

4. i know these must seem like cazy questions to the pros. I have never owned a boat before, but i do work on cars, trucks, and motorcycles all the time and am very mechanically inclined.

Good luck!

 

[harley2rde]

do a search for a shop manual . it has all the info you will need .

 

[nt7332]

Sorry i live about 2.5hrs from a lake, its just easier to test at home where i have all my tools. you know?

anyway here are the pics of my motor.

 

[seadooya]

787/800cc motor. Look on the right side of boat(starboard side) and with hatch open, you'll see a black "twist" cap, mounted on top of deck. Undo it, and thats where your hoser hook-up is.

Throw a new set of ngk-br8es gapped at .021, and fire it up. It'll clear out, whatever he used to winterize it....

 

[nt7332]

Thanks for the help did what you told me to and she started right up.

I have a few more questions. my lights on the boat don't work? is there a fuse other then the ones under the upper cover by the steering wheel?

Also with the bilge pump, are they supposed to be automatic? when i flip the switch i hear it running right away. if not how do i know when to use the pump when im in the water? other than looking to see if there is water in the back?

 

[voodoo]

Be sure to understand safe boating rules with regard to the blower, I want to ask why have a boat so far away - do you have a friend with a large swimming pool for testing? J/K, anyway read the manual slowly and before you just drop in the water, leave it on the trailer and start the motor so you can observe any fuel/oil/water leaks - head to the parking lot for repairs or head home for more detailed fix-ups, then repeat this test at the ramp and lift the throttle a bit to get the juices flowing and you can also check the charging system and feel the warmth of the hoses to be sure things are working properly - doing this in the beginning of each season results in more fun time and less breakdown drama. You have a nice looking boat there, enjoy.

 

[nt7332]

thanks voodoo for the tips. i will make sure and do that! :cheers:

 

[pincusa]

From the pictures, remember to add oil to the oil tank. It's used for mixing with the fuel and also in the engine on the bearings. You don't want to run that tank out.

 

[nt7332]

Thanks Pincusa, I will not forget. Can you give me an idea of what oil (brand) is working best for people?

 

[voodoo]

Use what the old owner used, mixing oil types results in gel that plugs the small lines, can you find a label in the glove box or somewhere? If you must drain the old oil into old clothes for campfire starters and flush with kerosene while running the motor on 5 gals premix gas, if any doubt replace the little oil lines and choose oil you can buy from an established supplier, there is amsoil, seadoo OEM and a few others - they key is not changing and do not fill the tank when storing long times, later on you will learn about the crank seal leakage so keep it to a minimum.