99 Challenger 1800 worst case scenario (both engines cost?)

[lefty111]

Hope this is okay to post in this section of forum . I have been constantly seeking a decent priced Challenger, Sportster 1800 ...unfortunately I keep having them snapped up before i can get them or the seller turns out to be a flake.

I have an eye on a 99 Challenger 1800, and the seller says he had carbs rebuilt recently. He said he took it out to lake and could not get one engine to fire up, and the other engine lost thrust later in the day. He implied he thought he sucked something up the intake.

Obviously this could and probably would require serious expenditure, but I was wondering if someone could give me what I might expect in a worse case scenario requiring a rebuild or replacement of both engines. I reall do not think both engines would have to be replaced but if so, I would like to know if there is a low enough price to even make it worth my while to think about buying such a boat and having them done. I sure hope it's easier for people in states other than Texas to find a good deal on these boats. They seem to go like hotcakes when one shows up here.

Thanks

 

[Dr Honda]

Hard to say. It could have been something simple... but he shouldn't have been using the boat on one engine. If he didn't clamp off the water the the engine that wasn't running... it could now be full of water. (and now beyond a simple fix)

Loosing thrust can be anything. Bad engine, broken PTO or drive shaft... or a pump that need rebuilt.

You will have to ask questions to find out. But if you can't work on the bot yourself... it's not worth buying.

 

[caseyb12000@yahoo.com]

If you are mechanically inclined you can rebuild both for about 2200.00. Do some searching and you can find good deals on machine work for the engines. Even shipping them off to have it done if need be. If you take it to a dealer, expect anywhere from 2400.00 to 3500.00 EACH.

I rebuilt mine 2 summers ago(1 engine) and got through it for only $800.00. Mine was just a piston and some head work though. I replaced both pistons and both heads machined, plus the appropriate gaskets. Total time was about 24 hours my time. I sent the heads off and they came back with pistons to match.(The turn around time is about 2 weeks on this) Runs just fine now, don't have any issues with the rebuild. In fact I am going to have to replace the rotary valve on the other engine this week. Not even scared of it. Never worked one before but it wasn't that hard, just very cramped down the engine compartment.