Help With Purchase

[rocheguy]

I could use some help with a purchase. There is a high hour (475) 2008 RXT for sale near me. I can probably get it for $2500 below NADA guide. I've seen a great deal of information to stay away from anything with hours this high.

What I'm wondering is, what's the worst case scenario? If I need to put a new engine in, it looks like I can find one and get it replaced locally for roughly $3,000. Then I'd have a new engine in a good condition pwc for about $500 more than NADA. So, what else should I check for that could be an issue? Should I be very concerned about the high hours, or have people had good luck with well maintained 4 strokes?

Thanks.

 

[Dr Honda]

On some of the lower HP, non-supercharged 4-strokes... they are know to go 600~800 hrs. But... on the high output engines... they spin higher, and they kind of eat them selves. (not to mention, that they get used harder)

Here's the deal... when a 4-stroke fails, they normally drop a valve, because a stem will stretch, and break. I've been trying to get guys to make it a normal thing, to check the valve clearance. (closing clearances indicate a potential issue) When the dirt bike industry went 4-stroke... that was a mandatory check. Anyway... when the valve drops into a running engine... it's a CATASTROPHIC failure. And, for SBT, it's no longer a viable core. So... your $3k replacement engine is no longer that price. There are some shops that will weld up the heads, and replace sleeves, and check the crank... but they are expensive.


And.. as a final note... regardless of engine time... you may be coming up on needing a supercharger rebuild. That, alone can be $1k.


Anyway.. the RXT wouldn't be my first choice for a "High hour" ski.


The only way I would buy a used SC 4-stroke ski if it was very clean, and low hrs. I could be convinced to buy a higher hr non-SC ski. But I would verify EVERYTHING before running it hard.

 

[rocheguy]

Thanks Dr Honda. That is very helpful. I know that many people flog these machines. It seems this one has spent over 85% of it's life below 6500 RPMs. I'm not as experienced, so will that help the cause at all since it was not riding up to the red line regularly?

Should I end up purchasing it, my plan is to check the compression and ridability prior to purchase. Then I would take to a dealer and have them inspect valves (per your suggestion) and supercharger for indication of the need for a supercharger rebuild. Any other things you can think of for me to ask the dealer during the inspection. I definitely don't want to end up with a catastrophic failure in the engine. Is there anything that the dealer won't readily notice in a standard inspection that I should request? I really appreciate the help.

 

[Coastiejoe]

I have the 09 model with the 255 SC'd engine. I LOVE the machine. THat said, Doc brings up very valid points.

If someone was buying from me, they would easily see my toys are in near perfect condition. Like Doc mentioned, higher hours are not so much as a concern when buying an excellent condition ski.

If it looks dirty, the house looks dirty and run down, their vehicles look dirty,,,, these are all clues...

 

[rocheguy]

Thanks Joe. Glad you like yours. The person I'd be buying from is a small dealer that turns over a few used PWCs a year. Looks pretty reputable.

We'll see. I appreciate everyone's feedback. If there are any things to have checked out when I take it in, beyond what Dr Honda has said, please let me know. I am not familiar with these engines and what to make sure I have it in good shape before putting much time on it.