Question on 1997 GSX

[ocod]

Looks good. I see some grey fuel lines that may need replacing but 1500 sounds like a good deal.

You can always try knocking off a few hundred.

Did you get a compression checker from discount auto?
Get a AGM battery while your there in case owners battery is bad.
You can always return it......

 

[bigJake]

in picture 1 - the red thing behind the rubber bellows. looks like he may have added a shim because the carbon ring is worn down, if so plan to replace the carbon ring. I THINK off the top of my head the cost is like $35 to buy, i never bought one.

picture 2 - looks like the VTS cable is disconnected? the VTS (variable trim system) boot probably leaks into the VTS housing and blows fuses

picture 3 - lots of mildew, so stored damp alot, Castrol super clean will clean that up nice but would have me a little concerned about corrosion on electrical connections.

picture 4 - looks like just scuffs on the hull, did you see any deep gouges?

picture 5 - again that mildew will clean off with castrol superclean

picture 8 - gray fuel lines. plan to replace fuel lines, filter, possibly fuel selector valve and carb rebuild


Did the owner send you these pics or did you go see it. Overall it looks pretty good condition, the above things are DIY if you are at all mechanical. Pricewise the most important thing is you need to do the compression test to know what you are buying engine wise, and get the number of hours on it.

Ask him if that is a shim on the bellows for the carbon ring and if the VTS is broken.

 

[bigJake]

also find out if he is the original owner and what oil he uses in it.

 

[bigJake]

another observation - the head does not look like it has ever been removed so top end has not had to have been rebuilt so that's a good sign

 

[Twisty]

So how much are you thinking it will cost to have it ready this season? And he sent then I am going tonight to get it

 

[ocod]

in picture 1 - the red thing behind the rubber bellows. looks like he may have added a shim because the carbon ring is worn down, if so plan to replace the carbon ring. I THINK off the top of my head the cost is like $35 to buy, i never bought one.

picture 2 - looks like the VTS cable is disconnected? the VTS (variable trim system) boot probably leaks into the VTS housing and blows fuses

picture 3 - lots of mildew, so stored damp alot, Castrol super clean will clean that up nice but would have me a little concerned about corrosion on electrical connections.

picture 4 - looks like just scuffs on the hull, did you see any deep gouges?

picture 5 - again that mildew will clean off with castrol superclean

picture 8 - gray fuel lines. plan to replace fuel lines, filter, possibly fuel selector valve and carb rebuild


Did the owner send you these pics or did you go see it. Overall it looks pretty good condition, the above things are DIY if you are at all mechanical. Pricewise the most important thing is you need to do the compression test to know what you are buying engine wise, and get the number of hours on it.

Ask him if that is a shim on the bellows for the carbon ring and if the VTS is broken.

#1
I think the red ring behind rubber boot is normal. Mine is black though.


#2
The VTS boot on the outside ins known to crack and thus leak water into housing causing short and blowing of 5 amp fuse.
If he says yes to that you can get a new housing from minnetonka4me or 99spxxx for ~125-~150 bucks.

Nothing there a deal breaker as long as compression is 150 and it fires right up.

 

[Twisty]

I just think I'll mess something up while checking compression... I've done rebuilds just never checked compression on a jet ski

 

[ocod]

I just think I'll mess something up while checking compression... I've done rebuilds just never checked compression on a jet ski

Twisty,
Get comfortable if you plan on owing one b/c this is general stuff that anyone can do.

1. remove plugs
2. thread compression tester fitting into spark plug hole and attached tester.
3. hold throttle open to get most volume of air and hit starter for a few sec's and watch needle on gauge bump upwards.
4. Do it 2-3 x ea hole for average.
5. repeat for other cylinder
6. done


Theres a picture of gauge and other instuctions

http://www.seadooforum.com/showthre...ression-Testing&highlight=compression+testing

 

[bigJake]

hell if you have done rebuilds, checking compression is no harder than changing a spark plug. the only thing you could possiblu f-up is using too long of an adapter and hitting the top of the pistons, so make sure the thread length on the adapter matches the spark plug

 

[Twisty]

Readings should be around 150?

 

[ocod]

hell if you have done rebuilds, checking compression is no harder than changing a spark plug. the only thing you could possiblu f-up is using too long of an adapter and hitting the top of the pistons, so make sure the thread length on the adapter matches the spark plug

I thought same thing

Readings should be around 150?

Yes

 

[bigJake]

your other expense is some spray paint to paint that butt ugly yellow trailer :lols:

I would use the gray fuel lines, carb rebuild, broken vts, possible new carbon seal to knock him down a couple hundred. If he is asking $1500 that probably means he will accept $1200. But again, it all depends on the compression reading. That will make a HUGE difference in what you want to pay

 

[Twisty]

If compression is low what is the cost on fixing that

 

[bigJake]

i've never had to do a top end so don't know, Lou and Ocod are lurking, they can answer

 

[ocod]

over 300 bucks plus your time.

ask him to thrown in innertube

 

[Twisty]

Would advanced auto parts or someplace have that compression gauge with the right attachments?

 

[bigJake]

yes, I got mine at advanced or napa and it came with 3 different thread size adapters for $25

 

[ocod]

Would advanced auto parts or someplace have that compression gauge with the right attachments?

yes
Any auto parts store.
The more expensive ones will have different attachments but the 25 dollar one will do.
Size up fitting to threaded part of sparkplug but you'll have no issues................

We hope











edit:

Jake
one for you and one for me

 

[bigJake]

going to eat lunch, Griz is in the house now too, he has forgotten more than I'll ever know. So Griz and Ocod got you covered here now,

 

[ocod]

going to eat lunch, Griz is in the house now too, he has forgotten more than I'll ever know. So Griz and Ocod got you covered here now,

Bring me some fries and a shake, thanks please

 

[bigJake]

here ya go

 

[LouDoo]

Personally if I were buying a ski and it had low compression I would figure the worst case a new short block, about 1400.00 including shipping and be pleasantly surprised if it only needed a top end rebuild, about $450.00. Maybe I'm a pessimist. What do you think Oscar?

Lou

 

[LouDoo]

here ya go

View attachment 11173

Jake, don't you know it's lent, better change that to a fish sandwich.

Lou

 

[bigJake]

Jake, don't you know it's lent, better change that to a fish sandwich.

Lou

Lou, I already messed up last week. I'm already doomed to hell. I can see it now. Sitting around hell burning for all eternity with a bunch of other sinners passing the time. Same discussion every time a new guy shows up:

So, what you guys in for?
sinner 1: Killed my entire family with an ice pick
sinner 2: Raped and murdered 15 children
me: Ate a Big Mac.....

 

[griz400]

I got Ben and Lou covered, one of each


View attachment 11160

nice set up there jake, at my old house, i lived on the river in tampa for 16 yrs, had davits , made it easy to ride when u want