Removing engine from 1998 gtx limited

[alkiseadoo]

Well I'm starting on my first rebuild this winter and it's a GTX L with the 951 (or is it 947) carb model. The shop manual does not say anything about removing the exhaust before pulling it out but it looks pretty tight to me. But it would be easier to remove the exhaust out of the boat. Any advice would be helpful thanks

 

[Joey White]

What I've done is unbolt the carburetors & exhaust, then unbolt the engine from the engine mounts. After that detach the big bulky main exhaust from the manifold (or take the manifold off if you can do it) then also from the waterbox(muffler lookin' thing). You might be able to manhandle the exhaust out from tilting the engine away otherwise get someone else to help you with removing it by having 1 person move the engine. Next is electrical, gas, oil and water lines. the first thing that I usually do is remove the electrical plugs, because those are the most important. Then go ahead and do the gas oil and water lines (I'm not sure where they are located on your model). Once a thorough inspection that everything is removed your engine might be to heavy but I'm not sure. You need to slide the engine forward so it can disconnect from the jet pump, there also might be a little ring holding it together that needs removed before doing that. Not as simple and easy as it sounds you need to lift the engine out of the hull. You might need to rotate the engine for it to fit through. I might've forgot something because I rushed this all in 1 day and put it into another jet ski. But hopefully this helps

 

[etemplet]

Pull the carbs, exhaust, jet pump. I pull the stud on top of the exhaust manifold and move the rave solenoid out of the way. After the engine is up off the mounts I pull the engine mount bracket on the PTO side. I do this by myself and only have two hands so I quit fighting it. I just remove what causes issues.

I have done a complete top end with the engine in place and have removed the flywheel with the engine in place to replace the starter bendix. I"m not sure it is any easier leaving the engine in place, it's just less steps to the process. If you need any pictures I have some. Good Luck.

 

[Chester]

Remove the jet pump, carbs, RAVE solenoid, and exhaust pipe. Then the engine will come out easily by hand.

Chester

 

[alkiseadoo]

Ok got the pipe out, nasty job. Does this motor only have three mounting points? I only see the two in back and one on the starboard side. Also what part do I need to remove on the shaft before I pull the motor forward and out?

 

[statikuz]

Yes there is just one front and two rear engine mounts.

You need to push the silver top-hat looking thing (in front of the carbon seal) back and then pull the circlip that's on the drive shaft off. That will make it easier. But I think you can just unbolt the front motor mount and that will let you slide the engine forward enough to get it off the drive shaft. Or if you pull the pump then you can just pull the whole drive shaft out the back (after removing the clip) and that makes it easier. You will need to do that (in theory) when you reinstall the engine for alignment anyway.

This might help while you're at it: https://www.shopsbt.com/pdfs/sd951.pdf

 

[alkiseadoo]

So I pulled the bellows back and did not see anything. And I could not move the "hat" either way. Anything I am do I g wrong? BTW the motor is frozen it three a rod

 

[etemplet]

Is the jet pump in place? If so the "hat" (sealing ring) needs to move to the rear of the ski about 3/8". I have been able to tap it free with a dead blow hammer. It should slide by hand.

Edit - If you already removed the pump you will have a more difficult time. Good Luck !

 

[etemplet]

So I pulled the bellows back and did not see anything. And I could not move the "hat" either way. Anything I am do I g wrong? BTW the motor is frozen it three a rod

Sorry for the bad news. You can get the engine out without removing the pump shaft but it can be a pain getting the pump shaft and engine separated. I've done this a few times.

 

[alkiseadoo]

Hey thanks a little P B blaster and the hammer worked! Will try to lift out tomorrow. And no the pump is still in p!ace. This machine was a garage queen only 140 hours bought it from a co-worker but now looks like they didn't winterize it correctly.

 

[etemplet]

Good JOB !!!! You're probably no worse off then buying any ski that age. Unless they have been cared for.... Even if they run they are on borrowed time. The cool thing is that you can fix them up and have a good ski for way less than a new one. I enjoy restoring these skis and saving them from the scrapper.