Boat purchase question

[lashk]

Hey guys I have a question about a boat I'm looking at purchasing. It's a 2006 sportster with the 215 supercharged engine. I know of the issues with the ceramic washers and that the supercharger has to be rebuilt every 100 hours. Other than that, is there any reason why I should be weary of the supercharged engine. Or should I look for the 155 horse power that is not supercharged?
Thanks

 

[XP 787]

Get the 215. They also have issues with hollow exhaust valves. Freshwater boat?

 

[rcguy]

I would look at a 2008 or newer. No issues with exhaust valves. Freshwater boat ....good idea.

 

[lashk]

Get the 215. They also have issues with hollow exhaust valves. Freshwater boat?

Yes, it is freshwater. What is the hollow exhaust valve issue? Can they be upgraded & whats the cost?

 

[Coastiejoe]

First,, boat engines are a year behind. So, if you have a 2007 boat, you have a 2006 engine..
The hollow exhaust valve concerns are 2004 to mid-2006 (a boat would have to be mid-2007 or later to NOT have the valves).

The hollow valves are sodium filled. They are welded together at a seam near the bottom of the valves. This seam can fail and allow the valve to drop into the engine causing SERIOUS damage. The valves cost about $50 each and labor would cost $350 or so if you were to change them out.

If a valve drops and you need to repair and replace, it can easily cost 2-grand...

 

[lashk]

First,, boat engines are a year behind. So, if you have a 2007 boat, you have a 2006 engine..
The hollow exhaust valve concerns are 2004 to mid-2006 (a boat would have to be mid-2007 or later to NOT have the valves).

The hollow valves are sodium filled. They are welded together at a seam near the bottom of the valves. This seam can fail and allow the valve to drop into the engine causing SERIOUS damage. The valves cost about $50 each and labor would cost $350 or so if you were to change them out.

If a valve drops and you need to repair and replace, it can easily cost 2-grand...

Is this also an issue on the non-super charged 155 hp engine of the same year? If I were to get the valves replaced would I be out of any danger?

 

[Coastiejoe]

Is this also an issue on the non-super charged 155 hp engine of the same year? If I were to get the valves replaced would I be out of any danger?

True on all 4-Tecs of the 2004-mid 2006 years. And yes, if replaced with solid core there are no further valve concerns other than a rare mishap.

If you pull the valve cover look for a stamping. 72 is hollow core and 75 is solid core.

 

[Premix]

If you pull the valve cover look for a stamping. 72 is hollow core and 75 is solid core.

This can be seen without removing the valves?

 

[Coastiejoe]

This can be seen without removing the valves?

Correct. Pull the valve cover and look for the stamping on the valve. I'll try to send a pic later so you can see what you are looking for.

 

[lashk]

Is the 2003 affected by this exhaust valve problem. I'm looking at an '03 with the 4 tech engine. It is not supercharged.

 

[Coastiejoe]

Is the 2003 affected by this exhaust valve problem. I'm looking at an '03 with the 4 tech engine. It is not supercharged.

An 03 boat has an 02 engine. So you should be safe as it is 04 to mid 06.

 

[Tcflame]

Get the 215. They also have issues with hollow exhaust valves. Freshwater boat?

I read an article last week on that issue where one swallowed a valve and needed to replace the engine.

 

[Coastiejoe]

I read an article last week on that issue where one swallowed a valve and needed to replace the engine.

Depending on the damage that is possible. The norm is a new head and piston.