Recommendations for inspecting 2005 Sportster LE DI

[Canadian Watchmaker]

Hello, I'm still in the market for a good deal on a Sportster or Challenger. Since it is winter here in Orillia, Ontario Canada I may find some off season deals. Unfortunately, since it is winter, I can't water test a boat. Any suggestions on what things to look for / ask about when buying a 2005 Sportster LE DI that just came up for sale? All and any help is appreciated - I am a newbie to Jet Boating.

 

[mikidymac]

The DI is either a love it or hate it engine. It’s a lean burn 2 stroke which isn’t the best combination.

They aren’t known for going more than 200 hours.

Check compression, minimum of 130 psi and they have to have been using only 100% synthetic API-TC oil.

 

[Canadian Watchmaker]

Thanks! I will follow your suggestions.

 

[drjack]

200 hours on an engine?!?!
Good God, I can do that time in a season or two.

 

[mikidymac]

200 hours on an engine?!?!
Good God, I can do that time in a season or two.

That is correct, the 951 isn't known for going too much more than that. Most of the 2-strokes are due for a top end at minimum at 200 hours. That's one of the reasons for the success of 4-strokes.

 

[drjack]

Regardless if they are carb or DI versions?

 

[mikidymac]

Yes, the 951 is a hard working beast so engine life is relatively short.

 

[63Comet]

Go for 2003 and Older, Forget the Direct Injection... IMO

 

[Chester]

Stay away from the Di. They are a pain to diagnose if they start having problems.

Chester

 

[drjack]

So asking Mikidymac, if my 951 carb has some large unknown hours of use on it, and compression is is still 132-135 compression (based on guage), and engine runs like a champ....when and what should be done to the engine, as a rebuild, to prevent massive engine failure?

 

[mikidymac]

The dealer can get the engine hours from the computer.

At a minimum I would run good API-TC full synthetic oil, change the small 3/32" oil injection lines, rebuild the carbs and fuel system using genuine Mikuni and OEM parts and change the engine counterbalancer oil. The bad thing with a 951 is when a crank or balancer goes it always destroy's the cases too.