Considering buying "Needs work" 1998 GSX

[DeejaysGTI]

Hello guys, I realize this is my first post, but I have been lurking here and enjoying all of the great information available.

Now, a guy is selling a 1998 Sea Doo GSX Limited, that has the engine removed, and now rebuilt, with papers showing the work was done. Only one problem, the engine was never re-installed.

With an engine hoist (which I am assuming is a must) and basic and pneumatic tools, how hard would the re installation of the engine be?

He said he is including a "full gasket install kit" with the sale.

He is asking $1200 with a trailer, and engine and "everything" needed to drop in, hookup and go.

Let me know what you guys think!

Thanks,
-Martin

 

[Dr Honda]

It's hard to say... but for $1200... it's a good deal. You can part it out, and get your money back for that price. If the engine is a good rebuild... it's worth that much alone.

The problem is... you may find that the ski has all of it's electrical system roasted, that the pump is in need of service.

Regardless... that ski (if it's in good cosmetic condition) is worth about $3k at this time of the year.

What I woudl do is... make sure it has a good battery, and check over the electronics. Make sure you get 2 "beeps" when the lanyard is hooked up... make sure the gauges are turning on, and make sure the VTS or reverse is working.

 

[DeejaysGTI]

It's hard to say... but for $1200... it's a good deal. You can part it out, and get your money back for that price. If the engine is a good rebuild... it's worth that much alone.

The problem is... you may find that the ski has all of it's electrical system roasted, that the pump is in need of service.

Regardless... that ski (if it's in good cosmetic condition) is worth about $3k at this time of the year.

What I woudl do is... make sure it has a good battery, and check over the electronics. Make sure you get 2 "beeps" when the lanyard is hooked up... make sure the gauges are turning on, and make sure the VTS or reverse is working.

Sounds good, i thought about the electronics too. I emailed the guy but we'll see if he responds.

But do I need anything special aside from engine hoist/alignment tool.?

Is it very difficult to install the engine?

 

[Dr Honda]

Oh... last thoughts....


1) You don't need an engine hoist if you have a buddy. The engine only weighs about 80 Lbs.

2) Air tools are not your friend most of the time with PWC. Bolts get a little corrosion, and the air tools will snap them. It's best to stick with hand tools.

 

[DeejaysGTI]

Great! Sounds good.

I hope its not a scam, and or sold.

 

[djredman99]

X2 on no air tools. Most of the bolts have very specific torque settings therefore you are going to need a good set of torque wrenches as well as the shop manual with installation instructions, torque specifications, etc.

Unless the guy still has them, you will need shims for aligning the engine. You will also need lots of threadlocker. The shop manual will tell you what bolts get what kind of threadlocker.

Really, you need to get the shop manual first and read through the procedure. This is going to answer most of your questions.

 

[IDoSeaDoo]

Personally, I don't think installing the engine is that hard. They really aren't heavy and with a friend, it can be done w/o lifting tools. make sure the starter and exhaust manifold are off when you go to install, as these add a lot of weight. With all the parts off, you can verify that the pump is good. Check the wear ring around the impeller, it'll be easier to replace it now than later. Also make sure your VTS boot isn't cracked, as now would be a good time to replace that too w/ the pump out of the way. djredman is right, you need a manual. if you just google seadoo shop manuals, it's relatively easy to find a free one in the form of a pdf. you'll find that this is A LOT easier than installing a car engine. I would suggest investing in a metric thread tap kit to really clean out the thread holes prior to reassembly. Oxidation can be an issue with skis this old, I know it was on mine. Also remember, LOCKTITE is your friend! You may think a bolt is tight, but in truth, these engines vibrate A HELL OF A LOT and can loosen bolts.

 

[DeejaysGTI]

Well. The guy never replied.

But! I did buy a 1996 Sea Doo XP (with the 787) in it. Came sitting on a 2007 Karavan trailer.

Only one problem... He tried taking the head off to replace the gasket, and broke at least half of the head bolts. Many of them are not too far down, so I feel if I PB and heat whats left of the bolts, I should be able to get them out.

The engine is JUST about to come out, he disassembled everything.

Ontop of that, one of the carb bolts I believe broke too.

Sounds like someone went crazy before him and used red loctite everywhere.

Should be great once I get everything back together!!