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Replace only rings and gaskets? 1997 XP 787

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GrupaNation

GrupaNation

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What do people think about simply putting new rings and gaskets on the top end and sending it?

I wanted to avoid doing a top end rebuild (already rebuilt carbs, replaced fuel system, new battery, cleaned/checked rotary valve) but I had 130 psi both and after 2 hours of use now I'm staring at closer to 120 both. Now, I cant get it to start at all even out of water and I have no idea why. It turns over fine but wont catch even with dumping fuel down the carbs. Carbs dont seem to be filling with fuel well either because the accelerator pump is only pumping air.

I am looking to get rid of this ski at the end of the year or next year because its more trouble than I wanted and I could use the money for school. So longevity isn't a concern. Any advice on how to get it running, what I did wrong, or whether I can replace rings to get it to run?
 
Also, I know full bore does complete rebuild kits for about $350 but as stated before, I want to get rid of this thing asap.
 
It's a crap shoot and really up to you.

With the amount of hours these skis have just doing new rings really isn't going to do much as the pistons and cylinders are really worn also.

Just doing rings might bring compression up for a little bit but the correct answer you are going to get is that it is not the correct way to fix the problem.

For your starting issues it is the low compression. At 120 they typically will not start in the water because the compression is just too low.
 
What do I think of it, personally? Horrible. Not Cool at all. Kicking s*it down the road to the next unsuspecting buyer is a thumbs down.

I think you've got something else going on to drop 10psi after riding 2 hours, perhaps just cut the losses and sell it as it is.
 
My advice based on what you have said.

Sell it now "as is" and let the buyer know the top end is worn out. The next buyer might have the funding and desire to build the machine up right so it runs perfect and lasts.

Don't put a band aid on it by throwing a set of rings into it and then have it fail in a short time for the next owner.

Life lesson here. Be honest and take the hit. Don't pass it on.
 
mikidymac said:
For your starting issues it is the low compression. At 120 they typically will not start in the water because the compression is just too low.
Click to expand...

Thanks Miki,
I cant get it to start out of the water either. Shouldn't I be able to do that? It would go a long way.
 
mikidymac said:
Even at 120 psi it should fire on the trailer.
Click to expand...
I cant figure out what the issue is. I took the carbs off to make sure the fuel pump was assembled correctly and as far as I could tell it was sealing and operating correct. It worked after I rebuilt it then all of a sudden I was back to no start.
 
Verify you are getting a good blue spark every time.
The 1997 XP MPEM connectors are notorious for corroding and causing intermittent spark issues.
 
I believe thats what it is because my negative battery terminal has been getting very hot and draining my battery quickly while trying to start. I am going to go through the wiring and grounding and probably replace spark plug caps.
 
The plug caps should not have to be replaced. Unscrew them and pull them off then cut 1/4" off the plug wires and screw the caps back on. THere is a little screw thread inside them that screws into the wire to make the connection.

The 1997+ XP's have some of the longest battery cables and are another very common place for issues as they corrode from the inside out. If it is getting hot the connection is bad.
 
GrupaNation said:
I believe thats what it is because my negative battery terminal has been getting very hot and draining my battery quickly while trying to start. I am going to go through the wiring and grounding and probably replace spark plug caps.
Click to expand...

There is the tip-off.....if the negative battery cable is getting hot...heat equals resistance to the flow of electricity....bad cable.....perfectly good looking cables can be trash/powder on the inside.....connections can be shot too (clean, bright and tight is what you want)

I once bought a non-running pickup truck, wouldn't start, owner couldn't get rid of it fast enough (bought it for next to nothing)....towed it home, did some quick tests (battery cables were completely corroded on the inside (looked fine on the outside)), replaced those cables and never had to do another thing to that truck until I sold it for 10X what I paid for it.

Trace the voltage flow through the ski wires and harnesses....older skis -> most problems are weak batteries, carbs, wires/cables (electric).
 
I will clean all electrical connections I can find and put some silicone grease where needed. I'll rethread the caps and look for other miscellaneous electrical issues. I'll update with pics and such this weekend hopefully. I cant decide whether to take my boat that works out fishing or fix this one lol
 
GrupaNation said:
I will clean all electrical connections I can find and put some silicone grease where needed. I'll rethread the caps and look for other miscellaneous electrical issues. I'll update with pics and such this weekend hopefully. I cant decide whether to take my boat that works out fishing or fix this one lol
Click to expand...
Tough call......fishing or wrenching??? BOTH are noble ambitions......what's the weather forecast?
 
Attached are pictures of the two MPEM multi-connectors. They dont seem to be very corroded to me, however one of the posts is broken off. looking at the female side of this connector it appears the connection that is broken off doesnt go to anything and is just capped off.
 

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