97 Challenger - Engine compartment

[Peter K]

Hello All,
I am new to the forum and new to Seadoo as well.
I got a non-working 97 Challenger for free. The previous owner (relative of mine) got it as a partial payment for a job he's done, but at the end he didn't want to put in time or money and passed it to me.
Here is the first problem I encountered: How do I open the engine compartment?

Any word of advice - not just regarding the engine compartment - is greatly appreciated

Peter

 

[phough5757]

A Picture is worth a thousand words.
I hope it helps.

 

[ocod]

^cant get any easier than that op

 

[phough5757]

The black handle under the cover is spring loaded. If it doesn't pop when you lift the handle, chances are the plastic broke.
I have a used one if You need one...PM Me and I'll send it. Heres the hard Part, 10 mm screws hold it on. Hard to get to upside
down and in cramped quarters.
Good Luck!

 

[FL_Boater]

Speedsters and Challengers are different.

On a challenger if the lid does not open than it is locked. Lift the hood in front of the driver seat and pull up on the little black handle to unlock the lid. then go to back and open the engine hatch.

 

[Peter K]

Thanks to everybody who replied.
I found the handle: once I opened the "trunk-like" watertight compartment, there was a second latch inside. That opened the engine compartment.
It seems there are more missing parts inside: battery, ignition cable, top half of the air filter... just through a cursory look.
I didn't have a camera with me, but probably I should take a few pictures and ask for further help.
Where does one find small SeaDoo parts... odds and ends?

Thanks again
Peter

 

[FL_Boater]

guy just a few hours from you is parting one out
http://jacksonville.craigslist.org/boa/2382189824.html

 

[cheappc]

Welcome, no question is a dumb question, welcome to the club and happy restoring!

 

[YUOnDaGround]

There was a guy on here parting one out, I bought a few parts off of him.